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racial Discrimination
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Despite making significant progress against racial discrimination, it’s a sad reality that workplace discrimination and harassment based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin and religion still exist.
Fortunately, several sets of laws protect California employees against employers (and against fellow employees) who discriminate against and harass you in the workplace because of your protected traits.
It’s unlawful in California for an employer to consider your race, ethnicity or other protected categories in employment-related matters.
Common examples of unlawful discrimination in the workplace based on protected factors include:
- Denying growth opportunities / promotions to a qualified employee
- Paying an employee less or offering lower benefits
- Hiring, firing or demoting employees based on race or color
- Sudden changes in performance reviews, or exclusions from meetings
- Harassing an employee based on race or color (which can include offensive jokes, racial slurs and name calling, or other derogatory statements or signs)
- Fostering a hostile work environment that allows bullying based on the way you look
Employers may try to hide racial discrimination
Often times, race discrimination can be subtle and hard to pinpoint. Rarely will an employer commit an act of racism while declaring the real reason is because of your race, color, or other protected categories.
While more difficult to prove, subtle discrimination is still considered illegal. It can take a skilled employment attorney to uncover, and ultimately prove to a court, you were discriminated against because of one or more of your protected traits.
Instances of subtle, perceived race discrimination can come in many forms and are often based on:
- How you look
- National origin of your spouse, friends or family
- Group and community affiliations outisde of work
- Where you were born
- Your accent or other language/cultural characteristics
If you feel your employer has discriminated against you due to your race, color, ethnicity, national origin or religion, below is a helpful guide in better understanding the legal protections you have in place.
Remember, everyone’s circumstance is different, so after reading below, give our employment attorneys a call for a free consultation, or fill out our no-obligation consultation form so our attorneys can help walk you through your legal options.
Which Laws Protect Me from Racial Discrimination at Work?
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) requires employers with 5 or more employees to actively prevent and address racial discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It ensures that employees and job applicants are judged based on their abilities and qualifications, rather than the color of their skin or their racial or religious background. The California FEHA also empowers individuals, enabling them to stand against discriminatory practices without fear of retaliation.
In addition to the FEHA, the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 offers another layer of protection, prohibiting employers with 15 or more employees from engaging in or allowing racial discrimination in the workplace.
While both federal and state laws operate in tandem, the state’s FEHA often provides broader protections and covers a wider range of employers.
Protection from Retaliation
Both the California FEHA and federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 protect employees against retaliation by their employer. Simply put, it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for voicing your opposition to their discriminatory practices, or for filing a complaint about their discrimination.
This means you cannot be fired, demoted, harassed, or subjected to any adverse employment decision simply because you exercised your rights under the law.
Keep this in mind when making the decision to contact our offices – you’re legally protected from your employer retaliating against you while exercising your fundamental right to be free from racial discrimination.
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our clients' success stories
“This testimonial is for Sam Rezvani at Venture Law. If you are reading this, do not hesitate to have a consultation with Mr. Rezvani. I was employed by my former employer for a touch short of 30 years when new management acquired our company and laid me off one month later. They didn’t even have the gal to provide a 2-week notice. Needless to say, I was shocked and devastated. From the outset, Sam asked all the right questions, remembered every detail when we connected (including those I assumed were unimportant), and kept me apprised of case status as he worked it along. You must maintain a certain level of trust here, as the legal world is one in which most of us have little to no experience. I’ve disliked my share of attorneys throughout my career, but Sam is quite clearly not a “typical” attorney. He does a wonderful job walking you along and pointing out where he sees speedbumps, forks in the road, and the ultimate destination when the dust settles. He was spot on all the way through. I’m retired now, and the settlement he recouped for me immensely improved my quality of life. Should you need employment law services, you’ll want Mr. Rezvani in your corner.”
Richard H.
“I have utilized the assistance of Sam Rezvani and Venture Law for a variety of issues in recent months and with each instance I have come away more impressed. The care and attention is unmatched; it comes across in each interaction just how much Sam truly knows, understands and cares. He is thoughtful and thorough, measured and enthusiastic about his craft and his handling of each specific need. The information and guidance provided were top notch and Sam has entrenched himself as a true ally in all legal aspects. Venture Law and Sam in particular offer a boutique feel with big firm knowledge; I cannot recommend them enough.”
Chris N.
“Attorney Sam Rezvani at Venture Law was my lawyer. Not sure about the other attorneys there because Sam was the only one I dealt with but can say he’s probably the smartest guy I’ve ever met. He knew exactly how the company was going to lie its way out of what happened and he cut them off from the start. I ended up getting paid IMMEDIATELY and didn’t even have to file a lawsuit.”
Jose R.
“I’ll keep it short and sweet. Professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and overall fantastic guys on your side. If that’s what you want in your lawyers, call them.”
Viken N.
“I can honestly say I don’t know where I’d be without Mr. Rezvani. Was in a really dark place in my life when I reached out to him. He gave me legal advice but what I really liked was that he gave me practical advice too. He gave me the courage to polish up my resume and find another job, and let me know he would take care of my case as my lawyer. I vividly remember him saying “that’s my job.” And it’s the best decision I ever made. Got back on my feet and ended up getting compensated for my ex-boss’s discrimination. Can’t disclose how much I got because I signed a confidentiality agreement but all I can say is that it was worth the wait!”
Victoria N.
“From the start I knew Mr. Rezvani was the attorney I was looking for. This was the first time I needed an attorney. He took the time to answer all my questions and was super clear about how he thought things would go. Didn’t really require much on my end, which was a plus. He kept me updated with how things were going and let me know when I should take the settlement the company was offering. At first, I felt it was too low but he told me the risks of not taking it and guess what? The company shut down 1 month after I got paid!! Still can’t believe how close that was. Trust in Mr. Rezvani and thank me later!”
Edward F.
“Cannot recommend Venture Law highly enough. Was in a tight spot being fired from my job but I knew I had a legit case cuz everyone knows you can’t trust your bosses haha. Am I right?? So I reached out to Venture and spoke with Mr. Rezvani at my free consultation and he laid out my options. Mr. Rezvani was realistic about what he could do which was key. I asked him if he could get me a million dollars and he laughed haha. Didn’t feel like he was BSing me cuz I hate that feeling. I signed up with him and even though it took hella long to settle up Mr. Rezvani already told me to expect that and I’m glad I stuck it out with them. He got me way more $ than I expected and best part was I already found a new job so the settlement was a like a big bonus. Thank you again Mr. Rezvani!”
Nate O.
“Trust me, have your free consultation with Venture Law. What do you have to lose? It’s free, you get to speak with an attorney one on one, and it doesn’t cost you anything unless they settle for you. They only get a percentage of what their able to settle. Again, what do you have to lose? At least that’s how I saw it. He told me it might take a while to see any money but all I had to do was sit tight, answer some questions and sign some documents every now and then and I got paid. I can say Sam is an honest attorney and I never felt sold with him. Hope I don’t need him again but now I know I have an attorney I can personally call if I ever need legal advice at work. Worth the wait.”
Andres A.
“Mr. Rezvani is the man! I don’t usually leave reviews but my attorney came through for me and I had to let everyone know. If you want to sue your employer, reach out to Mr. Rezvani and don’t hesitate to sign up with him. Hope I never need a lawyer again (Sorry Mr. Rezvani!) but if I do I know where I’m calling.”
Saleem B.
“My husband encouraged me to call attorney Sam Rezvani at Venture Law after I got fired on my maternity leave. I didn’t think I had a case because I’d read you can be fired during maternity leave if the company has a good business reason (do yourself a favor and don’t search the internet for legal advice). I’m also so busy with my baby that I was ready to just forget about it all and move on. On my consultation, Sam explained the company was just using that as an excuse to keep me from suing. He ended up settling my case and I’ve already sent my friend to Sam after she was discriminated by her HR too. I hear she’s going to win and I know she’s happy with Venture Law too. Hopefully she can give a review too, you guys deserve it!”
Doris P.
“I needed an attorney for a complex employment case and was fortunate to find Sam at Venture Law. From the initial consultation to the final settlement, he and his team were professional, attentive, and highly knowledgeable. They took the time to understand every detail of my situation, and I felt informed and supported throughout the entire process. Their approach and hard work resulted in an outstanding settlement. It was worth the wait. I couldn’t have asked for better representation, and I’m incredibly grateful for the exceptional service and results provided by Sam and his firm!”
Christine S.
“Working with Sam Rezvani at Venture Law was a better, easier experience than I had expected. This was the second time in my life that I needed to call on the help of an Attorney, the first was a divorce which was miserable and then this event which was highly unexpected. From the first call, Sam was attentive and understanding of my situation. He explained the law and my options clearly and I never felt pushed one way or another. Throughout my case, Sam kept me informed of each step and the outcome. He stayed in contact with the other party as necessary to ensure deadlines or commitments were kept. Communication was easy and I always felt comfortable discussing my case or asking questions. It was my personal choice from the beginning to resolve my case in mediation if possible. Sam had the experience, resources, and skills to negotiate on my behalf and to secure the best possible mediator for a positive outcome. I would not hesitate to recommend Sam Rezvani at Venture Law to anyone in need of a knowledgeable, honest, and reliable Attorney.”
Nancy O.