What to Do If You Are Facing Discrimination at Work

California law (which also governs Orange County), called the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), lists out all the reasons you cannot be discriminated against. These include race, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, and even genetic information.

Orange County is in California, which is famous for being a tourist center, with a lot of attraction spots, iconic surfing, top shopping, a lively atmosphere for people to live and work in, and more. However, Orange County has very tough laws about workplace discrimination.

That means if you live or work here, the law is on your side. You are not powerless. And if you do not know how to handle it, a skilled Orange County discrimination lawyer can step in and guide you through the process so you don’t feel alone.

Federal law also protects many of these categories through rules like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Together, these laws make it very clear that unfair treatment based on personal characteristics is against the law. Facing discrimination can be confusing because sometimes it is very clear, and sometimes it is hidden behind excuses. But even when it is hidden, it still counts as discrimination, and you still have rights.

What to Do If You Are Facing Discrimination at Work

Here are steps to take if you ever face discrimination at work:

1. Keep Records of What Happened

One of the smartest things you can do if you are facing discrimination is to keep a record. Write everything down, and for the list to be very extensive, it must include all the details of:

• What happened (in explicit details).
• How did it make you feel?
• The date and time.
• Who was there and saw it?
• Any evidence, like emails, texts, or screenshots.

Even if you think it is small, write it down. Later, when all the pieces are put together, it can show a clear pattern of discrimination. This diary can become one of the strongest parts of your case. 

2. Make a Formal Report at the Office

You might attempt an informal resolution, but if that does not work, you have no other choice but to make a formal report to your department heads or anyone else in charge.

When you file a grievance, your employer is required to investigate it. They cannot just ignore it. They must investigate and act if discrimination is found.

They are also not allowed to retaliate against you for speaking up. Retaliation means punishing you for reporting discrimination, like cutting your hours, demoting you, or firing you. Retaliation is its own violation of the law.

3. Review Your Company’s Policies

It is also a good idea to review your company’s anti-discrimination policies. Many employers put these rules in their employee handbook or post them in common areas.

If your employer has written down that they will not discriminate, and then they do it anyway, that can be used as evidence against them.

4. Sue Your Employer

Once you have the Right to Sue letter, you can file a lawsuit against your employer. This is where you need to prove your case. You will need evidence, like your diary, emails, coworker statements, and any other proof that shows discrimination happened.

If the law sides with you and you win, you could get compensation that covers your lost wages, any emotional distress you might have been through, and even your attorneys' fees.

Recap of Main Points

• Discrimination at work is illegal in Orange County and all of California.
• You should have an extensive compilation of records to show and prove the discrimination that happened to you.
• You can attempt an informal resolution to keep things under the radar, but if this fails, filing a grievance officially should be your next move.