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San Francisco Discrimination Lawyer

Discrimination happens in many different sectors and venues, including places of employment. Discrimination in the workplace or hiring process that is based on certain protected characteristics is strictly against the law in California. Employment discrimination can have a lasting impact on your career and well-being, and you should learn about your rights under state anti-discrimination laws – specifically, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Possible violations of the law should be discussed with a seasoned San Francisco discrimination attorney as soon as possible.

What is Discrimination?

Discrimination is the act of unfair treatment towards an individual or group based on specific characteristics. Keep in mind, though, that not all unfair treatment is illegal or actionable. Personality conflicts or favoritism may create difficult working situations, but these actions alone are not against the law. However, if someone is facing discrimination, they are being treated differently than another person or other groups of people because of one or more protected characteristics.

Workplace discrimination is prohibited when it is based on any of the following protected characteristics:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National Origin/Ancestry
  • Physical & Mental Disability
  • Age (over 40)
  • Medical Condition
  • Genetic Information
  • Sex/Gender – (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical or health conditions)
  • Gender identity and expression
  • Sexual Orientation (including perceived sexual orientation)
  • Religious Creed
  • Marital Status
  • Military and Veteran Status

These characteristics make each employee in California unique and should not be the basis of harassment or other adverse employment actions. Maintaining an atmosphere opposed to discrimination not only improves employee morale and performance but it is also required by state law.

Discrimination and harassment are also prohibited when it is based on certain protected conduct, including:

  • Reporting discrimination or harassment
  • Requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability
  • Reporting or refusing to participate in unethical or unlawful conduct
  • Requesting or taking certain types of protected leaves of absence
  • Lawful activities outside of work

Forms of Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace can take on many forms and can occur in several different phases of an employment relationship. Discrimination often involves basing employment decisions on protected characteristics, including decisions regarding:

  • Hiring
  • Promotions
  • Bonuses and/or wage increases
  • Fringe benefits
  • Employee discipline
  • Termination

Employees may also be subject to discrimination or harassment in their day-to-day work environment, or other company-sponsored events and activities. California law deems all types of discrimination unacceptable. Call to have experienced San Francisco discrimination lawyer Jeannette A. Vaccaro evaluate your circumstances.

California Employees Have Legal Protections Against Discrimination

While multiple federal laws protect employees from all types of discrimination, California state law goes further to protect California citizens from a broader range of discriminatory behaviors. Under state law, California workers are protected from discrimination based on:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National Origin/Ancestry
  • Physical & Mental Disability
  • Age (over 40)
  • Medical Condition
  • Genetic Information
  • Sex/Gender – (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical or health conditions)
  • Gender identity and expression
  • Sexual Orientation (including perceived sexual orientation)
  • Religious Creed
  • Marital Status
  • Military and Veteran Status

If you believe you have been harassed or discriminated against at work based on one or more of these factors, don’t hesitate to contact a San Francisco discrimination lawyer.

Contact a San Francisco Discrimination Lawyer Today for Help

At the Law Office of Jeannette A. Vaccaro, we stay up to date on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws, including the latest developments and changes in court decisions impacting workers’ rights. Our clients trust attorney Jeannette A. Vaccaro to apply the laws correctly and fairly to your case to strive for the best possible outcome.

If you are looking for a reliable and reputable San Francisco discrimination attorney, look no further than our firm. Contact us today to schedule a case review and learn more about our services.

Think You May
Have A Case?

Jeannette is passionate about employee rights. She fights to shed light on injustices and to help her clients move beyond troubling times. Contact Jeannette today for a free case evaluation.

Jeannette A. Vaccaro is a Passionate and zealous advocate, representing employees in all facets of employment law.

Think You May Have A Case?

Jeannette is passionate about employee rights. She fights to shed light on injustices and to help her clients move beyond troubling times. Contact Jeannette today for a free case evaluation.

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