The Fair Employment and Housing act (“FEHA”) enforces state laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or employee because of a protected characteristic.
What is a protected characteristic?
race
religious creed
color
national origin
ancestry
physical disability
mental disability
medical condition
genetic information
marital status
sex
gender
gender identity
gender expression
age
sexual orientation
military/veteran status
How else does FEHA protect employees?
It prohibits retaliation against a person who opposes, reports, or assists another person in opposing unlawful discrimination
It requires employers to reasonably accommodate a person’s religious beliefs and/or practices
It requires employers to reasonably accommodate a person’s disabilities
It requires certain employers to provide leave and/or reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition
Who does it protect?
Employees working for employers that employ five or more people in cases of discrimination or retaliation
Employees working for employers that employ even just one person in cases of harassment
Does citizenship or immigration status matter?
No. FEHA applies to California applicants and employees regardless of their citizenship or immigration status
The Department of Fair Employment and Housing ("DFEH") does not inquire about a complainant's citizenship or immigration status
Who is an employer?
Any public or private entity, labor organization, apprentice training program, employment agency, or licensing board
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