What is the difference between disability discrimination and unlawful harassment?

The difference between disability discrimination and unlawful harassment is an important one to understand, especially in California, as these are both illegal acts that can be punished with penalties. Disability discrimination is when an individual is treated differently or unfairly based on a disability they have. This can include being fired, demoted, denied a job, or treated differently in the workplace due to their disability. For example, if an employer refuses to hire someone because they require a wheelchair, this would be considered disability discrimination. Unlawful harassment is any unwelcome verbal or physical behavior that is based on a person’s disability. This includes jokes, offensive comments, insults, and other forms of verbal abuse. Physical forms of harassment, such as intimidating motions, can also be considered unlawful harassment. Unlawful harassment can create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment and can be illegal if it is severe or pervasive. It is important to understand the difference between disability discrimination and unlawful harassment in California. While both are illegal, they are treated differently in the eyes of the law. Disability discrimination is an illegal form of discrimination and is punished with fines, while unlawful harassment may be punishable with civil and criminal charges depending on the severity of the act.

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