In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”) prohibits discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity and/or national origin in any aspect of employment.
This includes refusing to hire or employ; refusing to select a person for a training program; discharging an employee; denial of equal pay, demotion, denial of benefits, harassment, and discriminating against a person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also protects applicants and employees from employment discrimination based on race.
Associational race discrimination is also prohibited under FEHA. Associational race discrimination is discrimination based on an employee's relationship with an individual or individuals within a protected category. For example, an employer may not fire a white employee because they have black friends.
Cases involving allegations of racial discrimination generally require exhausting administrative remedies before the individual can file a lawsuit against the employer.
Contact the Law Office of Catherine Chukwueke if you believe you have been discriminated against based on your race.