Non-Discrimination Statues Expanded (CC)

The recent legislative session resulted in changes to two important statutes that affect discrimination policies in California community college districts., Government Code, section 12940. Government Code, section 12940 is a critical provision within the California Fair Employment and Housing Act: it prohibits discrimination in employment. Section 12940 was expanded when Governor Brown approved two separate bills (Senate Bill 559 and Assembly Bill 887). The amendments to section 12940 are underscored below:, Government Code, section 12940:, [It is unlawful], (a) For an employer, because of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic condition, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, or sexual orientation of any person, to refuse to hire or employ the person or to refuse to select the person for a training program leading to employment, or to bar or to discharge the person from employment or from a training program leading to employment, or to discriminate against the person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment., Government Code, section 11135. Government Code, section 11135 addresses nondiscrimination in community college district programs and activities. Section 11135 was also amended by SB 559 as underscored below.