Legally speaking, “ethnicity” refers to ethnic traits, ethnic backgrounds, or associations. Ethnicity typically means a certain group of people that have racial and religious traits in common, as well as a common language. Many Americans have negative feelings about members of some ethnic groups based on stereotypes or prejudices. If a person discriminates against another person based on ethnicity in the workplace, that person has violated both state law and federal law.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, discrimination on the basis of religion, national origin, or race is illegal, which typically includes ethnicity. Ethnicity discrimination is also illegal under state law. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, and more.
If you have been discriminated against in the workplace in Los Angeles because of your ethnicity, you may be able to file a federal or state lawsuit, or a federal or state claim. It can be difficult, however, to know if you have been discriminated against on the basis of ethnicity. Generally, if a person’s compensation, benefits, work assignments, or training are negatively affected by his or her ethnicity, that is considered illegal discrimination. Also, if a company refuses to hire, fires, or refuses to promote an individual because of ethnicity, that is also illegal.
Discrimination based on ethnicity can be difficult to prove, but not impossible. If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your ethnicity, call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles ethnicity discrimination attorney at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.