Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their race?

In California, employers are strictly prohibited from setting different standards or expectations for employees based on their race and are subject to prosecution under state and federal employment discrimination law. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) defines employment discrimination as any practice, policy, or attitude that has an adverse effect on job opportunities, benefits, wages, or working conditions based on a person’s race. Employers are not allowed to set different hiring standards, pay rates, or benefits, or to deny job opportunities based on a person’s race. Employers are also prohibited from using race as a criteria in performance reviews, employee discipline, or when assigning work duties. It is illegal for employers to set different expectations for employees solely because of their race. Employers may not set different qualifications based on a person’s race and must treat all employees equally, regardless of their race. In other words, employers in California cannot set different standards or expectations for employees based on their race, or use race as a criteria when making decisions about employment. Failure to adhere to the law may result in costly legal penalties, so all employers should make sure their hiring, promotion, and other employment practices are compliant with state and federal discrimination laws.

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Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their race?

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