Gender discrimination in the workplace occurs when an applicant or employee is treated unfavorably due to his or her gender. Federal and state laws prohibit gender discrimination, as well as retaliation for filing a complaint about this inappropriate conduct. Gender discrimination may stop a person from rising higher in the workplace, or it may take the form of sexual harassment. The Los Angeles gender discrimination lawyers at Gallenberg PC are dedicated to fighting for employees who have been harmed by workplace harassment or other misconduct. Our firm does not charge potential clients for the first intake. The best and fastest way to get a case evaluation is through our online form, but you can also call us in Burbank at (818) 237-5267, in Los Angeles at (213) 986-8432, or in Beverly Hills at (310) 295-1654 if you are considering seeking assistance from an employment discrimination attorney.
Which Laws Prohibit Gender Discrimination?Title VII is the primary federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. It covers employers with 15 or more employees. Sex discrimination includes gender discrimination as well as gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination. Other federal laws that address gender discrimination include the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) also prohibits gender discrimination in workplaces of private employers or state government entities with five or more employees. The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) investigates and mediates gender discrimination complaints, although the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) may also investigate gender discrimination in California if Title VII covers a particular employer.
Sexual HarassmentSexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination that is unlawful. Prohibited harassment may include a wide range of offensive conduct and speech, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, making sexual jokes, commenting about someone’s body, or making rude comments about women in general.
A single instance of teasing or a rude remark does not rise to the level of harassment. However, harassment becomes illegal if it happens so often or is so severe that a hostile work environment is produced by the offensive conduct, or an adverse employment action (such as termination) results.
The victim and harasser may be of the same sex, and either may be a man or a woman. The harasser may be a supervisor, coworker, client, or customer. It is important for the victim to tell the harasser to stop, and to file a complaint with HR if asking to stop is unsuccessful. If an employer does not take appropriate steps to stop the harassment, the victim may file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Filing a Gender Discrimination ChargeBefore filing a gender discrimination lawsuit, you should file a charge with the DFEH or the EEOC. These agencies cooperate with each other, so you can indicate your intent to cross-file when you file a charge with one agency. It is important to consult an attorney about your charge so that you can make sure to present your complaint as persuasively as possible from the start.
Consult a Gender Discrimination Lawyer in the Los Angeles AreaIf you have been a victim of gender discrimination in the workplace, you should retain legal representation to pursue compensation. At Gallenberg PC, our Los Angeles gender discrimination attorneys are experienced advocates who fight for justice and the rights of our clients. Our firm represents people throughout Southern California who need an employment discrimination or sexual harassment attorney, including employees in Burbank, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, Glendale, Downey, and Inglewood. Call us in Burbank at (818) 237-5267, in Los Angeles at (213) 986-8432, or in Beverly Hills at (310) 295-1654. For a faster response, contact us through our online form for a case evaluation.