Workplace discrimination is illegal under both California and federal law, yet it remains a significant issue that undermines careers and human dignity. At Antonyan Miranda, we aggressively represent employees who face discriminatory practices.

Know Your Rights: California’s Protections Against Workplace Discrimination

In California, your rights are safeguarded by some of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in the nation. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on numerous protected classes, such as:

• Age

• Disability or genetic information

• Marital status

• Medical conditions such as pregnancy or childbirth

• Military or veteran status

• National origin

• Race, color, or ancestry

• Religious creed

• Sex, gender, or gender identity

Under these laws, even something as seemingly minor as restricting the language you speak at work without a valid business necessity can qualify as unlawful discrimination.

On the federal level, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces similar protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, extending to issues like age (40+), pregnancy, and taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

California law, however, provides even broader definitions and protections, making it essential to work with an attorney familiar with both state and federal statutes. At Antonyan Miranda, we leverage our deep understanding of these laws to secure justice for our clients.

What Does Workplace Discrimination Look Like?

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an individual differently based on personal characteristics, rather than job performance. This includes actions like:

• Denying promotions, raises, or job opportunities based on race, gender, or disability.

• Offering unequal pay for equal work.

• Refusing to hire someone or laying off workers unfairly due to a protected class.

• Harassment, including derogatory remarks, slurs, or exclusion from workplace activities.

Discrimination can be either overt or subtle, but both forms are illegal. For example, refusing to hire someone because they are pregnant or favoring male employees for leadership roles are blatant violations of your rights. But even seemingly minor patterns, like consistently excluding employees of a specific ethnicity from advancement opportunities, may signal illegal discrimination. If this sounds familiar, don’t hesitate to act now.

Proving Discrimination: The Evidence You Will Need

Workplace discrimination isn’t always easy to prove, but with the right legal strategy you can build a strong case. Two types of evidence are used:

• Direct Evidence
  Such as statements or actions from your employer that clearly reveal discriminatory intent, such as verbal remarks or written policies.

• Indirect Evidence
  Such as circumstantial patterns that suggest bias, such as being denied a promotion despite being more qualified than someone outside of your protected class.

Key factors to consider include:

• Are you in a protected class due to your age (40+), disability or genetic information, marital status, or have a medical condition such as pregnancy or childbirth, military or veteran status, national origin, race, color, or ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender, or gender identity?

• Were you qualified for the job, promotion, or benefit you were denied?

• Did your employer take some adverse action, such as demotion, termination, or harassment?

• Was someone outside of your protected class treated more favorably in a similar situation?

Answering “yes” to any of these questions may indicate workplace discrimination. At Antonyan Miranda, our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your situation, gather evidence, and fight to ensure your employer is held accountable.

Act Now

If you’ve experienced workplace discrimination, you have the power to fight back. You can:

• File a formal complaint with the EEOC or California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

• Report the behavior to human resources or a supervisor, preferably in writing

• Work with an experienced discrimination attorney to navigate the legal process and understand your rights.

At Antonyan Miranda, we recommend contacting an experienced Workplace Rights attorney before taking any action. Filing deadlines are strict, and your case may benefit from early legal guidance. If necessary, we’ll help you pursue a lawsuit to recover damages, which may include:

• Lost wages and future earnings.

• Emotional distress.

• Punitive damages for egregious misconduct.

• Attorney’s fees and litigation costs.

Workplace discrimination not only violates your rights—it undermines workplace integrity. Don’t let your employer get away with it. At Antonyan Miranda, we bring a proven track record to every case. Our attorneys have represented both employees and employers, giving us unique insight into the strategies companies use to defend against claims. We’re relentless in pursuing justice and committed to securing the outcomes our clients need and deserve. Act now and contact us now for a confidential consultation and case evaluation. With our aggressive representation, you can hold your employer accountable and ensure your rights are protected.

Antonyan Miranda- Protect Yourself at All Times®