Workplace Race Discrimination: Understanding Your Rights Under California Law- 2025

Despite decades of civil rights progress, race discrimination remains a persistent problem in California workplaces. At Gruzen Moussly Law, we are dedicated to fighting workplace discrimination and helping employees assert their rights to equal treatment and opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, or national origin.

Legal Protections Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides broad protection against race discrimination, prohibiting both intentional discrimination and practices that have the effect of discriminating based on race. This includes discrimination based on actual or perceived race, as well as discrimination based on association with people of a particular race.

Race Discrimination in the Workplace

Race discrimination can take many forms, from overt actions like racial slurs or explicitly discriminatory policies to more subtle forms of bias. Common examples include disparate treatment in hiring, promotion, or discipline; racial stereotyping; exclusion from opportunities or networking; discriminatory dress codes or grooming policies; and hostile work environment harassment.

Recent Legal Developments: The CROWN Act

Recent legislation and court decisions have expanded protections against race discrimination, including the CROWN Act which prohibits discrimination based on natural hair textures and protective hairstyles commonly associated with race. These protections recognize that policies targeting certain hairstyles can serve as a proxy for racial discrimination.

Employer Responsibility in Addressing Racial Harassment

Employers must also address racial harassment promptly and effectively. This includes both supervisor harassment and creating a hostile work environment through severe or pervasive racial harassment by coworkers or others in the workplace. A single serious incident may be sufficient to create a hostile work environment. Learn how businesses can prevent workplace harassment and foster a fair work environment.

Steps to Take If You Experience Workplace Race Discrimination

If you’ve experienced workplace race discrimination, document all incidents including dates, times, witnesses, and any supporting evidence. Report discrimination through your employer’s complaint procedures while maintaining copies of all communications. Be aware that retaliation for reporting discrimination is also illegal.

You can also consult an experienced workplace discrimination lawyer to explore your legal options and take the necessary steps to protect your rights.

Gruzen Moussly Law Can Help You With Workplace Race Discrimination Case

At Gruzen Moussly Law, we understand the profound impact of racial discrimination and are committed to helping you fight back. Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you assert your rights to a workplace free from discrimination.