Sacramento Racial Discrimination Attorney 

Get Legal Assistance for Your Racial Discrimination Case

Racial discrimination in the workplace continues to affect many people. If you have faced discrimination because of race, ethnicity, or national origin, you can take legal action to protect your rights. At Polaris Law Group, our racial discrimination attorneys in Sacramento help workers address racial bias, hold employers accountable, and pursue fair outcomes.

Contact us at (888) 796-4010 for a case consultation if you believe you were discriminated against in Sacramento, CA.

What is Racial Discrimination?

Racial discrimination happens when someone receives unfair treatment because of race, skin color, ethnicity, or national origin. Discrimination may appear as clear acts or more hidden practices that limit career growth for certain racial groups. Both federal and California law make it illegal for employers to allow, ignore, or take part in racial discrimination in the workplace.

Racial discrimination can take many forms. Some examples of unlawful racial discrimination in the workplace include:

• Failure to hire: An employer refuses to hire a qualified candidate due to their race or national origin.
• Unequal pay: An employee of a particular race is paid less than colleagues for doing the same job.
• Promotion denial: Employees lose out on promotions despite being more qualified than others because of racial bias.
• Racial harassment: Employees face offensive comments, racial slurs, or derogatory jokes based on their race, which creates a hostile work environment.
• Unequal treatment in discipline: Employees from certain racial backgrounds face stricter disciplinary action for similar behavior compared to other workers.
• Segregation: Employers assign staff to specific roles or locations based on race, separating them from coworkers or clients.
• Retaliation: An employee who reports or speaks out against racial discrimination faces demotion, firing, or hostile working conditions as a result.

State & Federal Racial Discrimination Protections

Both state and federal laws protect California workers from racial discrimination. These laws allow victims to pursue legal action and hold employers responsible for unlawful conduct.

Sacramento-based employees benefit from both California and federal protections. California's commitment to diverse workplaces has led to some of the country’s strongest worker protections. In the Sacramento area, people can get support from local offices like the California Civil Rights Department and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which respond to complaints from this region. These agencies offer important, local guidance for employees going through the process. Working with a lawyer who knows Sacramento’s employment landscape can help you navigate regional filing requirements and deadlines to preserve your legal options.

Federal Laws

The main federal law that protects employees from racial discrimination is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating against current employees or job applicants because of race, color, or national origin. It applies to any business with 15 or more employees and covers all stages of employment, such as hiring, promotions, pay, and termination.

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 (Section 1981) also protects workers and contractors by banning racial discrimination in making and enforcing contracts. Section 1981 applies to all employers, regardless of company size, and covers both employees and independent contractors.

California Laws

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) offers even stronger protections for California workers. FEHA makes it unlawful for businesses with five or more employees to discriminate against others based on race, color, or national origin. The law also prohibits harassment and retaliation linked to racial discrimination complaints. California’s definition of workplace harassment covers both direct actions and those that create a hostile work setting.

FEHA widens the net compared to federal law by shielding workers in smaller companies and offering broader remedies. These remedies may include damages for emotional distress and, in certain cases, punitive damages.

If your rights have been violated, a racial discrimination lawyer in Sacramento from Polaris Law Group can help you file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Civil Rights Department, or pursue legal remedies through the courts.

How to Prove Racial Discrimination

Proving racial discrimination takes evidence and clear documentation, since direct proof is often limited. There are several ways to build a strong claim.

In Sacramento, quickly gathering evidence strengthens your workplace rights claim. Keep emails, document conversations, and track patterns if you notice unequal treatment at your job. Evidence collection is important when working within local processes such as reviews by the Sacramento County Superior Court or investigations from the EEOC office in Sacramento. Attorneys familiar with these practices guide you so your evidence meets both state and local requirements.

• Direct evidence: Includes racist remarks, explicit emails, or direct statements by supervisors or colleagues.
• Circumstantial evidence: Patterns of unfair behavior, such as continually overlooking qualified minority employees for promotions, or showing a trend of unequal treatment.
• Statistical evidence: Data showing disparities in hiring, pay, or advancement for different groups within the organization.
• Witness testimony: Statements from coworkers who have observed discriminatory actions or comments.

An experienced Sacramento racial discrimination attorney will help you gather the necessary evidence and pursue the remedies available to you.

Timelines & Deadlines for Racial Discrimination Claims in Sacramento

If you are considering a racial discrimination claim in Sacramento, pay attention to all deadlines. California requires you to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH) within three years of the discriminatory act. Under federal law, the deadline to file with the EEOC is typically 300 days when state law also covers your complaint. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from seeking relief, so act soon after any incident. A local legal professional can help you understand exactly which timeframes apply to your specific situation and employment in the Sacramento area.

Court systems and agencies in Sacramento enforce these deadlines strictly. The Sacramento County Superior Court—as well as local agencies—refer to these deadlines when determining whether to consider your claim. Guidance from a firm like Polaris Law Group ensures you get the timely advice you need and addresses Sacramento’s local practices. By understanding and following these requirements, you strengthen your chance to pursue available remedies under California and federal law.

What to Do Immediately After Facing Racial Discrimination at Work

If you experience workplace racial discrimination, take immediate action to safeguard your rights. Begin by documenting every detail: note dates, times, people involved, and any witnesses. Save all messages, emails, and performance documents that may support your claim. Store these records away from your employer to prevent loss or interference. If your workplace has a formal human resources or complaint process, follow their steps and make a record of your complaint. Showing that you followed internal procedures adds credibility to a future legal claim.

In Sacramento, employers must respond to discrimination complaints under California and federal law. When you make a report, your employer’s human resources team should protect your confidentiality and follow anti-discrimination procedures. If your employer does not address your concerns or if conditions worsen, professional legal support from someone familiar with Sacramento workplace issues can help you review your options. Maintain a detailed log of all steps taken—both yours and your employer’s—after the incident. By taking these first steps, you show initiative and build a stronger foundation for any future claim you may pursue.

Please contact our office online or at (888) 796-4010 to learn how our Sacramento racial discrimination attorneys can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as racial discrimination in the workplace?

Racial discrimination includes any adverse action at work based on your race, skin color, ethnicity, or national origin. This can affect hiring, promotions, pay, or working conditions, and includes both overt and subtle actions.

How soon should I report a racial discrimination incident in Sacramento?

You should report discrimination as quickly as possible after the incident. Early reporting helps preserve your rights under California and federal law and ensures you meet agency deadlines if you decide to pursue a claim.

Can I file a claim if I work for a small business in Sacramento?

Yes. California law protects employees of most businesses with five or more employees, making it possible for many workers in small businesses to pursue claims if they experience racial discrimination in the workplace.