Overview
Santa Cruz County is committed to ensuring that all employees and applicants have a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) protections are designed to make sure everyone has a fair chance in hiring, promotion, training, and all other aspects of employment. This page explains how County policies work alongside California and federal laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Santa Cruz County EEO Policies
Santa Cruz County policies prohibit discrimination and harassment in every part of employment, including hiring, promotion, pay, and training. These policies protect employees and job applicants based on categories such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), marital status, and veteran status. The County also provides clear procedures for filing complaints and sets out the steps and timelines for resolution. In addition, employees with disabilities can request reasonable accommodation, and the County will work with them to ensure they can perform their jobs effectively.
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California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
FEHA is a California law that provides strong protections against workplace discrimination and harassment. It applies to most employers with five or more employees and is enforced by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). Under FEHA, employees are protected from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age (40 and over), disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and other categories. Employees who experience discrimination or harassment may be entitled to remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, or compensation for harm suffered.
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and FEHA
The ADA is a federal law that protects employees and job applicants with disabilities. It requires employers with fifteen or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense. The law covers all areas of employment, including hiring, promotions, training, and workplace accessibility. FEHA also requires employers to engage in a timely, good-faith conversation with employees who request accommodations.
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U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency that enforces federal anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the ADA, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and others. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against at work can file a charge with the EEOC. The EEOC investigates complaints, works to resolve disputes, and may take legal action when necessary.
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What This Means for You
As an employee, you have the right to a workplace that is fair and free of discrimination. You cannot be treated unfairly because of your race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, or other protected categories. If you have a disability, you can request reasonable accommodations, and your employer must work with you to find solutions. If you believe you are being harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against for raising concerns, you can report it to your employer, to the Santa Cruz County Human Resources Department, to the California Civil Rights Department, or to the EEOC. These laws exist to protect your rights and ensure equal opportunity in the workplace.