I was discriminated against at work in Los Angeles because of my ethnicity. Can I sue my employer?

I’m sorry to hear about the discrimination. Yes, you may be able to sue your employer. Under federal law, discrimination based on ethnicity is illegal. You should speak with an employment attorney about your legal options.

Legally, “ethnicity” means ethnic traits, backgrounds, linguistic traits, allegiances on certain groups, or associations with certain groups. Some people have negative feelings about members of some ethnic groups. If those feelings lead to discrimination in the workplace, the person is violating both state and federal law.

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is a federal law, discrimination in employment based on national origin, race, color, and sex, which includes ethnicity, is illegal. Under California law, discrimination in the workplace is also illegal based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, and more. Ethnicity discrimination is illegal in all areas of employment, including compensation, benefits, training, firing, hiring, advancement, retaliation, harassment, and more.

There are some situations in which a person’s ethnicity can prohibit a person from performing a particular job. However, reasonable accommodations must be allowed. Reasonable accommodations could include reasonable adjustments, such as flexible hours, changing workplace policies or procedures, and more.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against at work in Los Angeles because of your ethnicity, you should speak with an attorney. Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles employment attorney, at 310-385-0567. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.