California law prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on a person’s protected characteristics. This includes hiring, promotions, job assignments, and other terms of employment. If you’ve been denied a job or promotion because of your race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other legally protected trait, you may have a valid claim under California’s robust anti-discrimination laws.

Protected Characteristics Under California Law

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects individuals from employment discrimination based on:

• Race, color, or national origin
• Sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression
• Age (40 and over)
• Disability or medical condition
• Religion or creed
• Marital status or sexual orientation
• Military or veteran status
• Pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions

Examples of Discriminatory Hiring or Promotion Practices

Discrimination in hiring or promotion doesn’t always come with an obvious explanation. However, common examples include:

• Rejecting a qualified candidate because of their ethnic background
• Promoting less qualified individuals over more qualified candidates based on gender or age
• Making employment decisions based on stereotypes or biases
• Retaliating against employees who report discrimination or assert their rights

How to Prove Discrimination in Hiring or Promotion

To succeed in a discrimination claim, you typically need to prove the following:

• You were qualified for the job or promotion
• You were rejected or passed over
• Someone else was hired or promoted under suspicious circumstances
• Your protected characteristic was a factor in the decision

Evidence can include emails, written policies, witness statements, or patterns of behavior by the employer.

What Are Your Legal Options?

If you suspect you’ve been denied a job or promotion for discriminatory reasons, you can:

• File a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD)
• Request a “right to sue” letter to pursue your case in civil court
• Consult with an experienced California employment attorney to explore your options

Speak With a California Employment Lawyer

Being passed over for a job or promotion because of who you are—not what you’re capable of—is not just unfair, it’s illegal. If you believe discrimination played a role in your employer’s decision, a knowledgeable employment law attorney can help you fight back and seek justice under California law.