Laws are in place to prohibit discrimination at the workplace, but many employees don’t realize what actually constitutes discrimination. Let’s uncover various forms of workplace discrimination and what to do if you’re a victim.
Workplace discrimination is reported among a large number of workers from across various ethnic, socioeconomic, age, and gender groups, as well as among those with diverse orientations and identities. Simply put, almost all workers experience some type of discrimination at some point in their careers – the trick is being able to effectively identify discriminatory behaviors or actions so you can better understand your rights. Let’s look at common workplace discrimination laws and concerns to ensure your rights are protected at all times.
Types of Discrimination
Disability Discrimination
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects people from discrimination based on disability. The laws also require employers to make reasonable accommodations so that people with disabilities can perform their jobs. In California, disabilities are broadly defined as conditions that limit a major life activity, including physical and mental disabilities, as well as medical conditions such as cancer or HIV/AIDS. California definitions and protections can be broader than protections under federal law. Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats a qualified employee or applicant unfavorably because she has a disability. It is also unlawful to treat a qualified employee or applicant less favorably because of a history of disability, because of the employer’s belief that the individual may have a disability, or because of the individual’s relationship with a person with a disability. The law also requires an employer to provide reasonable accommodation to an employee or job applicant with a disability, unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the employer (“undue hardship”). If you have a disability and feel you have been harassed or discriminated against by an employer, you can file a discrimination complaint. Call Feldman Browne, APC to inquire.
Religious Discrimination
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) has long prohibited employers from discriminating against applicants or employees on the basis of religious creed. “Religion” and “religious creed” are broadly construed to encompass virtually all aspects of religious belief or religious practices. The protections of the FEHA apply not only to more traditional, commonly recognized religions but also to less commonly observed belief systems as long as they are “sincerely held” by the employee.
“Religious creed,” “religious belief,” and “creed” include all aspects of religious belief, observance, and practice, including religious dress and grooming practices. The FEHA also requires employers to make reasonable accommodation for applicants’ or employees’ religious practices, unless doing so would cause an undue burden on the employer.
Age Discrimination
Discriminating on the basis of age in the workplace is illegal in the state of California under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and under the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Employees forty years of age and older are protected by age discrimination laws. It is not illegal to discriminate against someone who is “too young” for a position, and anti-age discrimination laws do not protect anyone under 40. The purpose of age discrimination laws is to protect workers from discrimination on the basis of being too old.
Sex Discrimination Harassment
Another overt discriminatory practice in the workplace is sex discrimination harassment. It is unlawful to harass a person because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks about a person’s sex. For example, it is illegal to harass a woman by making offensive comments about women in general. Both the victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be the same sex.
Although the law doesn’t prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).
What to Do if You Are a Victim of Discrimination
If you feel you’ve been discriminated against at work, make sure you first address the concern and make your voice heard. This may mean talking to a supervisor or representative from your human resources department, or going further up the ladder, if necessary. You should always document your complaints of discrimination and keep copies of the company’s response, if any, to your complaints. You may want to consider filing a formal grievance or complaint with your company or the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Finally, consult with an attorney early on in the process to ensure you’re taking all necessary steps and precautions to stop discrimination in the workplace right away.
