Affirmative action - California

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

California has no state-specific requirement that private employers take affirmative action.

State law prohibits affirmative action for public employers. According to the state constitution, “the state shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.”

State

Contact

Department of Fair Employment and Housing

State regulations

Article 1, Section 31 of the California Constitution (Proposition 209)

Federal

Contact

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs

Regulations

41 CFR 60-1 Obligations of contractors and subcontractors

41 CFR 60-2 Affirmative action programs

41 CFR 60-4 Construction contractors—Affirmative action requirements

41 CFR 60-741 Affirmative action and nondiscrimination obligations of contractors and subcontractors regarding individuals with disabilities