Gender discrimination in the workplace is unacceptable and unlawful. No one should be denied an opportunity, harassed, or unfairly treated because of their sex or gender.
If you believe you are the victim of gender discrimination, consult a gender discrimination attorney in Los Angeles today.
The attorneys at Starpoint Law know what protections you have under federal and state law.
To understand your rights and seek the justice you deserve, contact the experienced gender discrimination lawyers at Starpoint Law.
What Is Gender Discrimination?
Gender discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated differently because of the individual’s sex or gender.
Gender discrimination comes in many forms, such as business activities, policies, and behaviors.
Who Is Protected?
Too often, incidences of sex and gender discrimination go unreported out of fear.
However, federal and state law protections give you the right to work in a safe, discrimination-free environment.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII is a federal law that protects employees and applicants from sex-based discrimination.
This includes discrimination on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, and any gender-related characteristics, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Title VII applies to the federal government, labor organizations, employment agencies, and public and private employers with 15 or more employees.
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides more protection than federal law.
The FEHA prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, gender-related characteristics, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and transgender status.
This protection extends to employees, applicants, interns, volunteers, and contractors.
The FEHA applies to employers of five or more employees and includes public and private businesses, labor organizations, and employment agencies.
What Types of Actions Are Unlawful?
Gender discrimination can occur in any business-related activity, policy, or behavior.
Common examples include:
- Hiring, firing, and promoting;
- Benefits and compensation;
- Assigning work-related tasks;
- Advertising;
- Allowing a hostile work environment;
- Sexual harassment; and
- Any action or inaction related to the terms and conditions of employment.
Under California’s expanded protections, employers must provide working conditions that equally accommodate all employees, regardless of their sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or transgender status. For example, an employee must be permitted to use whichever bathroom facility he or she chooses, regardless of the employee’s sex or gender.
What Are My Options?
You have the right to work in a discrimination-free environment where you can openly express your sex or gender. If you feel as though you have not been afforded this right, you should contact a Los Angeles gender discrimination attorney today.
Proving a gender discrimination case isn’t easy. While it may seem and feel apparent to you, proving gender discrimination can be quite a task. You must demonstrate not only that you were discriminated against, but that it was based solely on your sex or gender. Let the attorneys at Starpoint Law determine if your rights were violated and guide you through your options.
1. Speak to Management
In writing, express your concern with someone who has power over company policies and practices. This may be a manager, supervisor, or your human resources department. While it may be uncomfortable, know that it is illegal for your superior to retaliate against you for questioning discriminatory behavior, practices, or policies.
2. File a Charge with a Governmental Agency
You have the option to file a charge against your employer through either a federal or state agency. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) handles all federal charges, and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) investigates all California state charges. If you choose to file a charge through the EEOC, you must do so within 300 days of the discriminatory act. The deadline to file a charge through the DFEH is one year.
It is imperative that you speak with a Los Angeles gender discrimination lawyer if you want to file a charge against your employer. At Starpoint Law, we know the complaint process and understand what evidence you need to prove gender discrimination.
3. File a Lawsuit Against the Employer
You may file a lawsuit against your employer for gender discrimination. However, you must first file a claim with either the EEOC or the DFEH and obtain a right-to-sue notice.
To discuss your case, rights, and options, contact the Los Angeles gender discrimination lawyers at Starpoint Employment Law.
What Remedies Are Available?
There are a variety of remedies available to you based on the discriminatory act and the extent of the harm. Some remedies for gender discrimination include:
- Back pay or front pay,
- Reinstatement of your position,
- Promotion,
- Bonus payment,
- Benefits,
- Damages for emotional distress,
- Punitive damages, and
- Attorney fees and costs.
Employers may also be required to update policies and practices that ensure the discriminatory behavior does not continue.
Contact a Gender Discrimination Attorney in Los Angeles
You should not have to suffer from gender discrimination at your workplace. Let our team of experienced and caring gender discrimination attorneys represent you. Contact Starpoint Employment Law today for a free case analysis.