Racial discrimination is a pervasive problem in California and throughout the United States. Unfortunately, many individuals face discrimination based on their race or ethnicity in various aspects of their lives, including the workplace, housing, and education. Such discrimination can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being, self-esteem, and financial stability.
If you have been the victim of racial discrimination in California, it is important to seek legal guidance from a skilled racial discrimination lawyer. Our California racial discrimination attorneys can help you understand your legal rights, navigate the complex legal system, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. At Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian, we will guide you in the steps you can take to protect your rights in the face of racial discrimination. Contact us today for your free consultation.
What is California Racial Discrimination?
Racial discrimination in California refers to unfair or unjust treatment of an individual or group based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin. It can occur in various aspects of life, including employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Discrimination can take many forms, such as racial slurs, derogatory remarks, unequal treatment, harassment, and retaliation. California state law and federal law prohibit racial discrimination in all these areas, and it is important for individuals who have experienced racial discrimination to seek legal assistance from a California employment lawyer to protect their rights and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Examples of California Racial Discrimination
Here are some examples of racial discrimination that can occur in California:
- Employment discrimination: An employer refuses to hire, promote, or provide equal pay or benefits to an individual based on their race or ethnicity.
- Harassment: An individual experiences racial slurs, derogatory remarks, or other offensive conduct based on their race or ethnicity, either from a co-worker or a supervisor.
- Housing discrimination: A landlord refuses to rent, sell, or lease a property to an individual based on their race or ethnicity.
- Education discrimination: A student is subjected to differential treatment, segregation, or harassment based on their race or ethnicity.
- Public accommodations discrimination: An individual is denied access to a public facility, such as a restaurant, park, or transportation, based on their race or ethnicity.
Elements of a Racial Discrimination Claim
The following are the elements of a successful claim of racial discrimination in California:
- Membership in a protected class: The victim must belong to a racial or ethnic group that is protected under federal or California state law.
- Adverse action: The victim must have suffered some type of negative or harmful action, such as being denied a job, a promotion, or access to public accommodations, because of their race or ethnicity.
- Evidence of discrimination: The victim must provide evidence that the adverse action was taken because of their race or ethnicity. Evidence can include direct evidence, such as discriminatory comments or actions by the perpetrator, or circumstantial evidence, such as statistical disparities in employment or housing.
- Causation: The victim must demonstrate that the discriminatory action caused the harm they suffered.
- Damages: The victim must have suffered actual damages, such as lost wages or emotional distress, as a result of the discrimination.
Examples of Successful Racial Discrimination Claims
- In 2018, a Black firefighter in Los Angeles won a racial discrimination lawsuit against the city. The plaintiff, a captain in the fire department, alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs and harassment and was denied promotions because of his race. The jury awarded him $1.2 million in damages.
- In 2016, a group of Black employees of the popular restaurant chain, Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, won a racial discrimination lawsuit against the company. The plaintiffs alleged that they were subjected to racial slurs and harassment by co-workers and managers and were denied promotions and better shifts because of their race. The jury awarded them $1.6 million in damages.
- In 2014, a group of Latino janitors in Orange County won a racial discrimination lawsuit against their employer, ABM Industries. The plaintiffs alleged that they were subjected to harassment and discrimination by their supervisors and were paid less than their White colleagues. The jury awarded them $3.5 million in damages.
Contact Our California Racial Discrimination Lawyers Today
If you have experienced racial discrimination in California, it is important to know that you have legal rights and options available to you. Racial discrimination can have a significant impact on your life and affect your employment opportunities.
At Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian, our experienced California racial discrimination lawyers are dedicated to fighting for justice for victims of discrimination. We understand the complexities of these cases and work tirelessly to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. If you believe you have been the victim of racial discrimination, contact us for a consultation to discuss your legal options and learn how we can help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.