Common Types of Discrimination in the Orange County Workplace

Discrimination is as unfortunate as it is common in the workplace, and Orange County is no different. While there are many ways an individual may experience discrimination, some forms are more typical than others. Here are some of the more common types of discrimination in the Orange County workplace.

Discrimination in Orange County

Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of an individual, primarily based on their race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, age, or disability. Some of the most common types of discrimination in Orange County include the following:

Racial Discrimination

As of 2022, the three largest racial groupings in Orange County are composed of roughly 38% White (non-Hispanic), 22.8% Asian, and 34% Hispanic/Latino. This can contribute to a beautifully diverse workplace. Unfortunately, one survey showed that approximately 17% of all discrimination cases in the United States were motivated by race and/or ethnicity.

Racial discrimination can take many forms, including using slurs or derogatory language when talking to or about a coworker, as well as refusing to hire or promote an individual based on their race or ethnicity, and not their capabilities as an employee.

Sexual Discrimination

Misogyny, as well as other forms of sexual or gender-based discrimination, make up 25% of discrimination cases in American workplaces. As of 2021, 78.2% of all sexual harassment claims in the country are filed by women.

Over the past few years, the Orange County Fire Authority has had two gender discrimination lawsuits filed against it, and two female employees retired early due to the discrimination.

Sexual discrimination, similar to racial discrimination, can take on many forms. Individuals may be subjected to inappropriate or unnecessary commentary about their bodies, sexuality, or gender. They may be denied promotions or employment due to their sex or gender, and they may be treated as “other than” for no other reason than their sexuality.

Age Discrimination

Roughly 32% of workplace discrimination cases are connected to ageism. While there are some career paths with a set retirement age, most workplaces do not have the legal grounds to push an older individual out of their employment.

Ageism can manifest when younger employees doubt or mock their fellow coworkers’ ability to perform their duties effectively because of their age. Promotions and hiring opportunities may be denied to older individuals experiencing age-based discrimination.

Disability Discrimination

Just like ageism, sexism, and racism, ableism directly impacts the success, opportunities, and job security of disabled individuals who suffer because of workplace mistreatment. “Disability” is an umbrella term that covers a host of different classifications of ability, including cognitive, emotional, and physical.

Things like ADHD and autism, though often less visibly detectable, can still impact how a person is treated in their place of employment. Discriminatory employees also target coworkers who exhibit chronic illnesses or physical ailments, often wrongfully doubting their ability to complete their duties or contribute to the workplace as a whole.

Contact Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP

While no one should ever be subjected to mistreatment at their place of employment, many people are forced to endure unfair and unjust discrimination. Roughly 61% of employees in the United States have experienced workplace discrimination in one way or another. If you or someone you know has been the victim of workplace discrimination, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

You deserve to feel safe and respected at your place of employment, and the team at Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP, is ready to help you pursue reparations for the injustice you have been experiencing.