Types of discrimination in the workplace include race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, pregnancy, genetic information, and sexual orientation discrimination, all of which are prohibited by federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and various state and local protections. Discrimination in Los Angeles comes in many forms and occurs in different patterns. Some kinds of discrimination are direct, while others are unintended on ancillary. At times, discrimination accompanies or integrates harassment and victimization. Many individuals are treated unfairly at work, school, public places, or in a community due to some physical, mental, or spiritual attributes. In most cases, the discriminated person cannot change the characteristic that makes him/her a target. Discrimination in the workplace can hinder a person's career development and success. It may instigate psychological torture and make the person feel unsafe or under threat.

Table of Contents

• Age Discrimination
• Gender/Sex Discrimination
• Racial & Color Discrimination
• Religious Discrimination
• Discrimination Against A Disability
• Discrimination Against Sexual Orientation
• Discrimination Against Retaliation
• Pregnancy Discrimination
• Parental Status Discrimination
• Why Discrimination Happens
• Getting Help

1. Age Discrimination

Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee less favorably because of their age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) specifically protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age.  Aging is a natural factor that one cannot control. The law also prohibits employers from specifying age preference in their job advertisements. Setting an age limit for internship and apprenticeship programs is also illegal. The legal employment system encourages companies to hire candidates on the basis of their qualification. Similarly, employees of all ages appointed on identical working positions should be compensated equally in terms of salary and additional job incentives.

Age discrimination can take many forms, including being passed over for hiring or promotion in favor of younger workers, receiving negative performance evaluations based on age stereotypes, being excluded from training opportunities, facing age-related harassment, or being targeted during layoffs or reductions in force. If you believe you've experienced age discrimination, consult with an employment attorney in Los Angeles who specializes in age discrimination cases can help you understand your rights and pursue appropriate legal remedies for the unfair treatment you've experienced.

2. Gender/Sex Discrimination

Gender discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably because of that person's sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.  Male domination exists in many occupations, i.e. men are often perceived as more needful and deserving of compensation as compared to women. The law grants equal rights to all genders, i.e. equal pay for equal work. If you are treated differently because of your sex, you can sue your employer for defying equity. Consulting with an experienced Los Angeles sex discrimination attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome. Gender discrimination violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as well as other federal and state laws that protect workers from unequal treatment based on gender. Examples include paying employees of one gender less for equal work, denying opportunities for advancement, imposing different work requirements, or creating a hostile work environment based on gender.

3. Racial & Color Discrimination

Race discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably because of their race or characteristics associated with race, such as hair texture, skin color, or certain facial features. There are a number of different types of racial discrimination in the workplace. White supremacy is a thing in the United States, and people are often judged by their skin color. Foreigners and immigrants are usually disliked for their unpopular beliefs and distinct cultures. Racism often gives rise to terrorism against minorities in a community. The society has crafted stereotypes that are seldom applicable to every person of the same race or color.

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employees who experience race-based discrimination in the workplace have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you believe you have been terminated because of your race or national origin, denied promotion, or subjected to a hostile work environment, it's crucial to consult with an experienced employment attorney. The EEOC investigates claims of racial discrimination and, in some cases, may pursue legal action or issue a right-to-sue letter allowing the employee to proceed with a private lawsuit. Our firm has successfully represented numerous clients in securing compensation and justice after experiencing race-based discrimination in their workplace, helping to enforce the protections guaranteed under civil rights legislation.

4. Religious Discrimination

Religious discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably because of their religious beliefs, practices, or observances, including refusing reasonable accommodations for religious practices, imposing stricter standards on certain religious groups, or creating a hostile work environment based on religion - all of which violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which requires employers to reasonably accommodate an employee's religious beliefs unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Some people are very proud to be born into Christianity, while others beg to differ and choose to become an Atheist. The way media portrays Muslims has motivated others to view them as dangerous or oppressed people. The views regarding Buddhism and Hinduism also differ from person to person. In reality, a person's religion does not define them. Every person has the freedom to express their own opinions and beliefs, and it should not intervene in their professional or personal life.  Those who have suffered discrimination due to their religion may have a claim for compensation.  To learn more about your rights, contact our Los Angeles religious discrimination attorney for a free initial consultation.

5. Discrimination Against A Disability

Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats a qualified individual with a disability unfavorably because of their disability, fails to provide reasonable accommodations, or implements policies that disproportionately impact people with disabilities - all of which violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). People with a mental or physical disability are not be treated as inferior creators. They shall be given equal respect and be compensated fairly for their services. Employment Law instructs business owners to make feasible changes in the working environment, in order to accommodate a disabled worker. If a person can perform his/her duty normally irrespective of the disability, the employer cannot reject or fire them from the job.

6. Discrimination Against Sexual Orientation

Discrimination against sexual orientation occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably because of their sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, which is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act as established by the Supreme Court's landmark 2020 Bostock v. Clayton County decision, protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from workplace discrimination nationwide. It is illegal to ask questions about a person's sexual orientation in relation to employment. The protection of rights of the LGBTQ community is rapidly spreading across states. Gay and transgender individuals now possess equal civil rights as everybody else.

7. Discrimination Against Retaliation

Retaliation discrimination occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in legally protected activities such as reporting discrimination, filing a complaint, participating in an investigation, or opposing discriminatory practices - conduct prohibited by various federal laws including Title VII, the ADEA, and the ADA, which protect employees who exercise their rights from punishment or negative consequences. Retaliation is the number one reason for employers to fire or harass an employee. When a worker exposes a company's shady business or files a complaint against illegal practices, the employer naturally has to pay for it. Subsequently, the employer may attempt to avenge the humiliation and use discrimination as a primary weapon.

8. Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats a job applicant or employee unfavorably due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This form of discrimination violates federal law under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which requires employers to treat pregnant workers the same as other employees who are similar in their ability to work. Despite legal protections, many women still face adverse employment actions, including denial of promotions, unfair work assignments, or even termination upon disclosing their pregnancy status.

• Employers cannot refuse to hire pregnant applicants who are qualified for the position
• Pregnant employees must receive the same benefits and accommodations as other temporarily disabled employees
• It is illegal to fire or demote an employee because she becomes pregnant
• As of June 2023, under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, employers are now required to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions unless doing so would cause an undue hardship

Victims of pregnancy discrimination have legal rights that can be enforced through filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or pursuing a lawsuit against the employer. Potential remedies in these cases may include back pay, reinstatement, and in cases with sufficient evidence of egregious conduct, compensation for emotional distress and punitive damages. If you believe you've experienced pregnancy discrimination, it's important to document all incidents, understand the timeline for filing a claim, and consult with an experienced employment attorney who can assess your specific situation.

Parental Status Discrimination

Parental status discrimination occurs when employers treat workers unfavorably because they have children or other caregiving responsibilities. While federal law does not explicitly prohibit discrimination based solely on parental status, caregivers may be protected under other laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, which guarantees certain eligible employees job-protected unpaid leave to care for a child or family member, though it does not itself prohibit discrimination based on parental status. Additionally, in some cases, parental discrimination may qualify as unlawful under Title VII when it involves sex-based stereotypes - for instance, treating mothers less favorably than fathers, known as "sex-plus" discrimination.

Discriminatory practices can include refusing to hire parents, denying promotions to employees with children, imposing stricter standards on working parents, or creating hostile work environments for those with caregiving duties. Employers may make unfounded assumptions that parents, particularly mothers, are less committed to their careers or unavailable for demanding positions. If you've experienced adverse employment actions based on your parental status, consulting with an employment attorney can help determine whether your rights have been violated under applicable local laws or other federal protections that may apply to your situation.

Why Discrimination Happens

Workplace discrimination often stems from deeply ingrained stereotypes, unconscious biases, and outdated organizational cultures that perpetuate unfair treatment of certain groups. Economic factors can drive discriminatory practices when employers make decisions based on flawed assumptions about productivity, commitment, or customer preferences rather than individual merit. Fear of difference, resistance to change, and lack of diversity in leadership positions further entrench discriminatory behaviors, creating self-reinforcing systems where those with decision-making power continue to favor people who resemble themselves.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Discrimination Lawyer

If you believe you've experienced workplace discrimination, don't face this challenging situation alone - our experienced Los Angeles discrimination attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and explain your legal options during a confidential, no-cost consultation. Our legal team has successfully represented countless employees throughout Southern California in securing justice and compensation for discriminatory treatment across all protected categories. We understand the emotional toll and financial hardship that discrimination causes, and we're committed to fighting aggressively for your rights while providing compassionate, responsive counsel throughout the legal process. Contact our office today to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward holding your employer accountable for unlawful discriminatory practices.