Reporting racial discrimination at work can be stressful, but it also takes courage. When that discrimination happens in San Diego communities like Downtown, Chula Vista, and National City, it can be especially stressful, because those who speak up often experience pushback or retaliation after the fact. Understanding retaliation after reporting racial discrimination in California is essential to fighting for your equality under the law.

San Diego employment lawyers play a critical role in protecting workers who face backlash after asserting their rights. Jimenez Loayza, APC, focuses exclusively on employment law and represents employees throughout California in discrimination and retaliation matters.

What Is Racial Discrimination in California?

According to an Enforcement and Litigations report by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in fiscal year 2024, the department received approximately 30,270 charges alleging racial discrimination. These numbers were an increase from the year before and show that racial discrimination is still a real issue in America and in California. Understanding what racial discrimination is helps keep your workplace safe and protect your rights.

According to California and national law, a racial discrimination case occurs whenever an employee is treated unfairly at work because of their race, ethnicity, skin color, or any other related characteristics.

Common examples of racial discrimination in the workplace include:

• Unequal discipline, pay, or promotions
• Racial slurs, stereotypes, or offensive comments
• Discriminatory hiring or termination decisions

If you believe you are experiencing racial discrimination, you have rights. Contact the law office of Jimenez Loayza, APC. Our team can help evaluate whether what you are dealing with violates state law.

What Counts as Retaliation After Reporting Discrimination?

Dealing with racial discrimination in the workplace is difficult. A statewide labor study by the California Budget and Policy Center found that about one in four Black and Latinx workers reported experiencing discrimination at work, with younger workers reporting the highest rates. Retaliation makes this difficult situation all the more challenging.

Retaliation in the workplace happens when an employer punishes an employee for reporting discrimination, participating in an investigation, or asserting protected workplace rights. Understanding retaliation and racial discrimination laws can help you navigate an already challenging experience more effectively. Examples of retaliation after reporting discrimination may include:

• Termination, demotion, or reduced hours following a complaint
• Sudden negative performance reviews not supported by prior history
• Isolation, schedule changes, or disciplinary actions meant to discourage complaints

If you believe you were retaliated against at your workplace after speaking up, contact the team at Jimenez Loayza, APC. An experienced California racial discrimination attorney on our team can help determine your options for fighting back.

How Employers Retaliate After Discrimination Complaints

A recent national report from American Community Media found 57% of surveyed Black women said they experienced racism or discrimination at work, showing that both men and women are victims, and it is often subtle. A California racial discrimination attorney understands how retaliation often appears indirectly rather than through obvious termination.

You can prevent retaliation by understanding the ways employers take action against you after filing a discrimination complaint. Employers may retaliate after discrimination complaints by:

• Limiting advancement opportunities or training access
• Increasing scrutiny or discipline without legitimate justification
• Creating hostile conditions that pressure employees to resign

If you are facing these tactics, it may be time to hire a racial discrimination lawyer at Jimenez Loayza, APC. Our experienced San Diego employment lawyers know retaliation tactics and how to combat them, so you can experience a positive work experience and protect your rights against hostility.

Why You Should Hire a Racial Discrimination Lawyer

Retaliation cases are often subtle and difficult to prove without proper documentation and timing. An experienced California racial discrimination attorney protects employees from harmful reactions while ensuring complaints are handled properly and respectfully. If you are experiencing racial discrimination or retaliation, contact Jimenez Loayza, APC, today.

Our decorated attorneys are active members of the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA) and the San Diego County Bar Association. Marisol Jimenez received the 2024 Rising Star Award from the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and brings a background shaped by public-interest and worker-advocacy experience.

Co-founder Francisco Loayza was honored with the Diane Ethics Award during his legal training and has taken a professional commitment to ethical practice and responsibility. Our firm is committed to ensuring justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable.

FAQs

What Counts as Retaliation in California?

Retaliation happens in California when an employer takes negative action against you because you spoke up about a workplace issue, including racial discrimination. Examples of retaliation include being fired, demoted, having your hours reduced, or being suddenly disciplined after reporting discrimination or harassment.

To prove retaliation, you must show a connection between your complaint and what happened next. Contact the team at Jimenez Loayza, APC if you believe you are experiencing workplace retaliation.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Retaliation Case?

Evidence needed for a retaliation case usually includes any emails proving any reactions to your discrimination complaint. Other examples include changes in treatment after your claim was filed, such as negative performance reviews or sudden schedule changes. Useful evidence includes witness statements and documentation showing that the timing between your report and the employer’s actions is related.

How Much Is a Discrimination and Retaliation Case Worth?

The value of a discrimination and retaliation case depends on several factors. If you can prove you lost wages or experienced emotional distress because of your experience, you might be eligible for compensation. Also, if the employer’s actions affected your career, you might have a case. However, there is no standard amount because compensation is related to the harm you suffered.

What Is Discrimination Retaliation?

Discrimination retaliation happens when your employer discriminates against you through retaliation after you choose to report any issues. Your workplace becomes a hostile environment when someone files a complaint about discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment, and the situation appears to result in immediate performance evaluations, reduced work hours, or eventual job termination.

If you believe you are experiencing retaliation, Jimenez Loayza, APC can help you understand your options.

Contact Jimenez Loayza, APC, Today

Jimenez Loayza, APC, represents employees across California with focused employment law experience and individualized advocacy. If you believe you are facing retaliation after reporting racial discrimination, contact us today to speak with Jimenez Loayza, APC, and learn how your rights can be protected.