CA Civil Rights Department

CA vs Hate Hotline Receives Nearly 1,000 Reports of Hate in 2025

The California Civil Rights Department released 2025 data showing the CA vs Hate hotline received 992 reports of hate from 46 counties. The hotline has responded to over 6,800 requests for help since launching in May 2023. Reports indicate racial or ethnic bias was cited in 47% of cases, followed by gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation (19%), religion (18%), and disability status (9%).

Spencer's Gifts Settles Disability Discrimination Case, Agrees to Statewide Reforms and $97,500 Compensation

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) reached a $97,500 settlement with Spencer's Gifts, LLC resolving allegations of disability discrimination at a store in Alameda County. The investigation found that the company unlawfully suspended a former employee and required medical documentation for wheelchair use that was not job-related or consistent with business necessity. Without admitting liability, Spencer's agreed to train all HR and supervisory staff statewide, update disability accommodation policies, and report future accommodation outcomes to the state.

Sacramento Museum Settles $255,000 Over Employment Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) announced a $255,000 settlement with the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) to resolve claims of employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against a former employee based on their Arab ancestry. The CRD investigation found that the museum selectively enforced a ban on perceived political symbols, specifically targeting the employee for wearing a traditional keffiyeh. As part of the settlement, MOSAC agreed to rescind its attire policy, provide three years of annual training on civil rights protections, and compensate the former employee.