Amid Ongoing Fires in Southern California, Civil Rights Department Reminds Californians That Their Rights Remain Protected During Emergencies

January 16, 2025

For Immediate Release


Shares information on protections against discrimination in shelters, leave from work, insurance coverage, businesses, and more

Go to CA.gov/LAfires for the latest updates on the fires in Los Angeles

SACRAMENTO – Amid ongoing fires in Southern California, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) today reminded Californians that their civil rights remain protected during emergencies. Under California law, it is generally unlawful to discriminate against people based on protected characteristics, such as race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, and national origin. These protections apply to a broad range of activities, including equal and fair access to emergency shelters, temporary accommodations, leave from work, and goods and services.

“I’m grateful to everyone across our state and nation who is doing their utmost to combat these devastating fires,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish. “Thank you to the firefighters, first-responders, community leaders, and people at every level of government. Neighbors are helping neighbors, community organizations are springing into action, and resources are being deployed to help keep Californians safe. As we continue to confront the impacts of this state of emergency, I also want our state’s residents to know that their civil rights remain protected. Stores, shelters, and employers cannot treat you differently during emergencies because of who you are. Now is a time to come together.”

Your Rights Remain Protected During Emergencies

For Californians impacted by wildfires, flood, drought, or other disasters, state civil rights laws continue to provide protection against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. To help ensure Californians know their rights, general information on protections against discrimination in shelters, leave from work, insurance coverage, businesses, and more is available below:

Additional Resources and Support

CRD is proud to work alongside numerous state and community partners who take action to respond to emergencies and help Californians get on the road to recovery. Below are resources for Californians seeking information, relief, shelter, and other assistance:

If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination, CRD may be able to assist you through its complaint process. CRD has also launched a new webpage to provide quick and easy access to resources to protect your civil rights and other relief, shelter, and aid resources during states of emergency.

For wildfire tips and the latest information on the Los Angeles fires, go to https://www.ca.gov/lafires/.

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The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. CRD’s mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.


651 Bannon Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95811
Regional Offices
800-884-1684 (voice), 800-700-2320 (TTY) or
California's Relay Service at 711
contact.center@calcivilrights.ca.gov