Barriers at Every Level: Report Highlights Workplace Discrimination Against Black Women in California

A new report draws attention to what many Black women in California already know from experience: the workplace is not an equal playing field. According to the findings, more than half of survey respondents said they have experienced racism, discrimination or both at work. From pay disparities and missed promotions to biased treatment and outright discrimination, the findings reveal how race and gender discrimination remain embedded in everyday interactions on the job.

The study, conducted by the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute in partnership with the public opinion research firm EVITARUS, surveyed 452 Black women employed in the state to better understand their experiences with job satisfaction, opportunity and discrimination. What emerged from the data is a clear pattern of marginalization that affects nearly every aspect of their work lives such as pay equity, promotions, treatment by supervisors and company culture.

Key among the findings was that 57 percent of Black women reported experiencing racism or discrimination at work within the past year. Nearly half of those surveyed said they felt excluded from advancement opportunities, and only 16 percent believed they had access to leadership roles. Many also shared stories of being unfairly judged by managers, facing biased comments or microaggressions and being held to different standards than their peers.

The numbers also pointed to significant pay disparities. Black women in California earned a median annual wage of $40,000 in 2022. In comparison, white men earned $71,189, indicating a wage gap of more than $31,000 each year.

One of the report’s core themes is the unique impact of intersectionality. Respondents described how being both Black and female created overlapping barriers. California’s CROWN Act prohibits discrimination based on natural hair texture. However, many women said their appearance, such as skin tone or natural hairstyles, often factored into how they were treated in the workplace. The report calls for stronger enforcement and better workplace education around such policies. 

California has some of the strongest workplace protections in the country when it comes to fighting discrimination. The Fair Employment and Housing Act makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against workers based on race, gender or a combination of both. This covers decisions across hiring, firing, promotions, job assignments and pay.

Despite a small sample size, the study captures the reality that discriminatory treatment isn’t just about isolated incidents or a few toxic workplaces. It’s about systems that continue to create barriers.

The report offers policy recommendations to improve workplace equity for Black women in California, such as enforcing the Black Women’s Pay Equity Act. It also proposes non-legislative measures, which includes improving bias training and addressing harassment.

For workers who are dealing with discrimination, retaliation, wage disparities or other forms of mistreatment, it’s important to know that legal protections exist. California law bars workplace discrimination based on various protected characteristics, such as age, gender, race, national origin and disability.

Workers who believe they have experienced discrimination should document the incidents. Save emails, texts or other written communications. Keep detailed records of what happened and when. Be sure to report the unlawful treatment to human resources. Speaking with a qualified employment attorney can also help you understand your rights and legal options, especially if the employer has failed to take meaningful action to address your complaints.

If you have faced racial or gender discrimination at work and aren’t sure where to turn, McCormack Law Firm is here to help. Our San Francisco employment lawyers can guide you through your options and next steps. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. McCormack Law Firm is not involved in this case.