Most people are aware that employers may not discriminate against people based on race. When we say that someone is “prejudice,” we automatically assume that person is prejudice against others based on race. However, California laws do so much more than merely prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on race.

California Government Code explicitly prohibits employers from taking any adverse action against an employee based on several characteristics which includes, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, and age (if over 40).

Moreover, for female employees, California law establishes specific protections for pregnancy, childbirth, or any other related medical conditions. The employer is prohibited from taking adverse action against a woman because she is pregnant.

There are even laws that prohibit employers from taking any adverse action against employees who stand up for fellow colleagues who are discriminated against. Discrimination is prohibited in all aspects of employment from recruitment, hiring, job evaluation, promotion, training, compensation, and discipline of employees. As a result, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees and any potential employees (those who are applying for a job).

Ultimately, the law requires employers to provide the same opportunities to all employees and enforce all policies uniformly against all employees.