A Single Racial Slur Can Support a Harassment Claim Under FEHA

August 08, 2024 | From HRCalifornia Extra

by James W. Ward, J.D.; Employment Law Subject Matter Expert/Legal Writer and Editor, CalChamber

Although employees may use the term "harassment" to describe a conflict with someone at work or an uncomfortable work environment, unlawful harassment has a specific legal meaning.

Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), unlawful harassment is unwanted and unwelcome conduct that’s motivated by a legally protected characteristic, such as race, gender, age or disability, and is so “severe or pervasive” that it alters the conditions of employment and creates a hostile work environment.

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