Equal Employment Opportunity

​​​Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination is prohibited by law.

Each department has an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer who can assist department employees with civil rights issues, including discrimination complaints.

Each department has an obligation to actively prevent discrimination, and to take immediate and effective action to eliminate it when it is discovered. This includes having non-discrimination policies and procedures in place including the process for filing a discrimination complaint. 

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) does not receive or investigate discrimination complaints.  State employees may file discrimination complaints with one or all ​of the following entities:

• Their department EEO Officer.
• California Civil Rights Department (CRD) www.calcivilrights.ca.gov.​
• United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) www.eeoc.gov.
  

​The Role of the EEO Officer

Each state agency is responsible for implementing non-discrimination policies, procedures and practices and ensuring they are integrated into every aspect of employment. The appointing power of each agency shall appoint, at the managerial level, an EEO Officer whose primary role is to objectively monitor and assess agency personnel policies and practices, recommend administrative changes to prevent discrimination, and to continuously facilitate equal employment opportunity. 

Relevant Resources:
CalHR Human Resources Manual – The Role of the EEO Officer
Statewide EEO Officer Roster​​

Department Disability Advisory Committees

Government Code Section 19795(b) requires each department to establish a Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). The purpose of the DAC is to advise the departmental director of issues of concern to the department's employees with disabilities. ​​

​Statewide Disability Advisory Council

The Statewide Disability Advisory Council (SDAC) was established to assist departments in maintaining their respective DACs. SDAC helps departmental DACs by sharing ideas for improving the representation of state employees with disabilities, and how to have an effective DAC. SDAC serves as an advisory council to CalHR to help California State government increase and improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

For more information about SDAC or to request SDAC documents​, please contact Bobby Dutta, SDAC Co-Chair via email  or at 916-768-1800.

​Workplace Conflict and Mediation

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable; how it is addressed and managed requires proper oversight with relevant solutions to diminish disruption and bring about harmony in the work environment. At times two or more parties are faced with issues not easily resolved without assistance. Swift and effective intervention is key to de-escalate growing tensions among employees. The success of conflict resolution rests in large part on managers and supervisors knowing what actions to take and having access to helpful resources when disputes arise.

Please visit the Workplace Conflict and Mediation webpage for a list of resources.  ​

​Legal Authority and References

Persons with Disabilities: Government Code Sections: 19232, 19233( c), 19234, 19795; can be found at: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov under Government Code.

Americans with Disabilities Act 

California Fair Employment and Housing Act ​​

​Contact Us

EEO professionals may contact Civil.Rights@calhr.ca.gov for any questions regarding the contents of this page. ​​