Labor & Employment Law

DFEH Review Shows That Disability Discrimination is Most Common Complaint

As part of a review commemorating its 50th Anniversary the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has released an informative review of the DFEH's history and current activities. 

The Power Point presentation includes some interesting facts.  For example, disability discrimination is now far and away the most commonly alleged basis for administrative complaints.  Out of 18,785 charges filed in 2008, a full  36.4% (6,844) alleged discrimination on the basis of mental or physical disability.  By contrast, race (22.4%), age (19%), gender (12%), and sexual orientation (4.4%) weren't even close.

Also interesting are the settlement statistics showing that the administrative charges settled prior to the issuance of an accusation by the DFEH were settled for an average of $8,120.  Following an accusation the average was $39,196.  (These numbers obviously exclude the stronger cases in which plaintiffs are generally represented by counsel and seek an immediate right-to-sue in civil court).

Full post as published by California Labor & Employment Defense Blog on September 03, 2009 (boomark / email).