For discrimination complaints related to housing, employment, or business establishments, you may contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) at 800-884-1684 (voice), 800-700-2320 (TTY). You may also visit the DFEH page for additional information.
Compare your work, conduct and treatment to that of those outside of your protected class as much as possible. Provide proof that others of similar qualifications have been given better opportunities, projects that are more favorable and superior treatment.
A written complaint to OSPI must include the following information: A description the conduct or incident—use facts (what, who and when) An explanation of why you believe unlawful discrimination has taken place. Your name and contact information, including a mailing address.
How does a person file a complaint of employment discrimination? Online by creating an account and using our interactive California Civil Rights System, CCRS. Call the Contact Center at 800-884-1684 (voice). Print and fill out a hard copy of the Intake Form that matches your issue and send it.
Legal protections in California While it does not explicitly mention weight, courts have recognized that severe obesity can qualify as a disability under the FEHA. Employers cannot treat employees less favorably because of their physical characteristics, which include obesity.
Sizeism, weightism or size discrimination is unjust or prejudicial treatment directed at people based on their size.
Workplace discrimination that results from false stereotypes against people with overweight and obesity has been well documented through research associating body mass index (BMI) with income and professional enhancement opportunities. Weight-based discrimination starts before a person even joins a workplace.
The World Obesity Federation defines weight stigma as “the discriminatory acts and ideologies targeted towards individuals because of their weight and size.” Weight stigma can have devastating social, psychological, and physical effects for older adults living with obesity.
For example, a person with obesity who is qualified for a job but is not hired for the position because of his or her weight may have been the victim of weight discrimination.
These are all examples of what we call weight bias. The negative attitudes and judgments (conscious or subconscious) toward individuals who are overweight or obese. These beliefs all too often lead to discriminatory practices. Talk about an excellent way to undermine the struggles that these people are going through.