California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
We’re now turning from federal laws to state law, and to one very important California law in particular.
What FEHA Covers
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination in employment as well as harassment across a very broad range of protected categories.
Generally speaking, the standards set forth by the State of California are more stringent than the federal standards regarding sexual harassment.
Harassment claims brought under the FEHA are investigated by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
FEHA prohibits discrimination in employment based on:
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race or color
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religion
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national origin or ancestry
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physical disability
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mental disability or medical condition
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marital status
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sex or sexual orientation
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age (over 40 years old)
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pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions
FEHA applies to:
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employers
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labor organizations
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employment agencies
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apprenticeship programs
and also to any person or entity who/that:
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aids
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abets
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incites
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compels or
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coerces a discriminatory act.