Helping Employees Who Are Victims of Sex/Gender Discrimination

Sex and gender discrimination is an increasing area of legal concern as the number of women and openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals enter the workforce. State and federal laws mandate that these employees are given equal access and protections. Yet, too often they are discriminated against simply because of their sex or gender identification.

Gender discrimination in the workplace remains a pervasive issue, affecting individuals across various industries in Los Angeles and beyond. Despite advancements in legal protections, many employees continue to face unequal treatment based on their gender, gender identity, or gender expression. Understanding the nuances of gender discrimination and the legal avenues available is crucial for those seeking justice and equality.

Understanding Gender Discrimination

Gender discrimination involves treating an individual unfavorably because of their sex, gender identity, or gender expression. This can manifest in various forms, including:

• Unequal Pay: Paying employees differently for the same work based on gender.
• Promotional Disparities: Overlooking qualified candidates for advancement due to their gender.
• Harassment: Creating a hostile work environment through unwelcome comments or actions related to an individual’s gender.
• Biased Hiring Practices: Making employment decisions based on gender stereotypes or biases.

Legal Protections Against Gender Discrimination

In California, several laws protect employees from gender-based discrimination:

• Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender identity, and gender expression in employment and housing.
• California Equal Pay Act: Mandates equal pay for employees performing substantially similar work, regardless of gender.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: A federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, among other protected characteristics.

These laws are enforced by agencies such as the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Notable Gender Discrimination Cases in Los Angeles

Several high-profile cases highlight the ongoing challenges related to gender discrimination in Los Angeles:

• Dr. Lauren Pinter-Brown v. Regents of the University of California: A jury awarded Dr. Pinter-Brown $13 million in a gender discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against UCLA. However, this verdict was later overturned on appeal due to judicial errors during the trial.
• LAPD Officers’ Lawsuit: Two male Los Angeles police officers were collectively awarded $13.1 million in their lawsuit alleging they were victims of gender discrimination and retaliation when treated differently compared to their female partners.
• Capt. Jennifer Seetoo’s Case: Capt. Seetoo prevailed in her gender discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, with a jury awarding her nearly $1 million in damages.

The Role of a Los Angeles Gender Discrimination Lawyer

For individuals facing gender discrimination, consulting with a specialized attorney is essential. A Los Angeles gender discrimination lawyer can:

• Evaluate Claims: Assess the merits of a case based on evidence and legal standards.
• Navigate Legal Procedures: Guide clients through filing complaints with agencies like the CRD or EEOC.
• Advocate for Clients: Represent clients in negotiations or court proceedings to seek remedies such as compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

More Than 40 Years of Experience Fighting for Employees’ Rights

Allred, Maroko & Goldberg in Los Angeles was founded in 1976. Since then, the firm has built a national reputation for handling complex employment law cases where individuals were denied their basic rights and protections. If you believe you have been denied a job, fired, harassed or otherwise mistreated due to your sex or because you are a member of the GLBT community, please contact our sex discrimination attorneys for a case evaluation.

Gay Rights/Title VII Claims

Our firm is dedicated to serving the interests of the California GLBT community. We have spent 40 years advocating on behalf of equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Our lawyers’ ability to successfully interpret and apply California and federal employment laws have led to millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Some examples of successful sex discrimination cases follow:

• $1.68 million settlement for a group of female farm workers who were denied work because of their sex
• $440,000 settlement for a female bank executive who was denied decision-making responsibilities and demoted to handling lesser tasks by her male colleagues

What Is the Difference Between Sex and Gender Discrimination?

Sex and gender discrimination are closely tied, yet they have two distinct meanings. A person’s sex refers to whether they are genetically male or female. Gender refers to which sex someone most closely identifies with.

An individual may be discriminated against at work because of his or her sex such as denying a job to someone because she is female. Or someone may be discriminated against because he is genetically male, but identifies more as a female. Employment laws protect against these and other similar situations.

What Is Considered Sex Discrimination?

Sex discrimination in the workplace can be one of the easiest things to spot — or the hardest. It all depends on the situation. Despite increased attention to gender equality, gender biases remain. Below is a list of the most common examples of sex discrimination at work:

• Unequal pay — Men and women may not receive the same pay despite having the same position and status at work.
• Different job responsibilities — Men and women may be given different duties such as men being asked to lift heavy items or women being tasked to handle only administrative duties.
• Interview questions — Men and women may face very different interview questions, including women being asked if they have children or if they plan to have children.
• Advancement opportunities — Men and women should receive equal opportunities for advancement without their sex or gender playing a role in promotion or hiring decisions.
• Gender-specific dress code — Men and women should have similar dress codes versus only requiring women to follow a dress code that requires them to wear dresses or skirts.

We Will Protect Your Rights. Contact Us.

If you have been discriminated against because of your sex or gender orientation, please contact our lawyers to discuss your legal options. Contact us online, call our Los Angeles office at 323-746-1853 or call our New York office at 646-992-2184 to arrange a free case evaluation.