Civil Rights Class Action Lawyers

California’s civil rights laws are among the most comprehensive in the United States, aimed at preventing discrimination and ensuring equal rights for all its residents. These laws cover a wide range of areas including employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and more. Here’s a summary of the key aspects:

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

• Scope: Prohibits discrimination in employment and housing based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, and more.
• Enforcement: Enforced by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), which investigates complaints of discrimination and can file lawsuits on behalf of victims.
• Remedies: Includes reinstatement, back pay, and damages for emotional distress. In housing, it may include access to housing, damages, and penalties.

Unruh Civil Rights Act

• Scope: Prohibits discrimination by all business establishments in California, including housing and public accommodations, based on sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, or sexual orientation.
• Enforcement: Individuals can file lawsuits for violations of the Act.
• Remedies: Victims can seek actual damages, statutory damages (minimum amounts set by law), and attorney’s fees.

California Education Code

• Scope: Contains provisions that prohibit discrimination in educational programs and activities, including higher education, based on protected characteristics.
• Enforcement: The California Department of Education oversees compliance, with mechanisms for complaints and enforcement at the local level.
• Remedies: May include policy changes in institutions, reinstatement, and accommodations for affected individuals.

Ralph Civil Rights Act

• Scope: Protects individuals from violence or threats of violence based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
• Enforcement: Victims can file civil lawsuits against perpetrators.
• Remedies: Includes actual damages, statutory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.

California Voting Rights Act (CVRA)

• Scope: Addresses discrimination in voting by ensuring that the voting rights of minority groups are protected in local elections.
• Enforcement: Allows for legal action to be taken against local jurisdictions if their election processes dilute the votes of minorities.
• Remedies: May include changes to election systems from at-large to district-based elections to enhance minority representation.

Comprehensive Protections

Together, these laws provide a robust framework to combat discrimination and promote equality across various sectors in California. They reflect the state’s commitment to civil rights and provide mechanisms for individuals to seek redress when their rights are violated. California continually updates and expands its civil rights legislation to address emerging issues and ensure comprehensive protections for all its residents.