Amid Ongoing Fires in Southern California, Civil Rights Department Reminds Californians That Their Rights Remain Protected During Emergencies
January 16, 2025
For Immediate Release
PublicAffairs@calcivilrights.ca.gov
916-938-4113
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:
- Emergency Shelters: In California, emergency shelters, temporary accommodations, and other providers cannot refuse to house you or treat you differently because of who you are, including if you have a disability.
- Work Leave: California’s civil rights and labor laws protect workers who need to take time off for many reasons, including for bereavement leave or unsafe conditions during disasters.
- Homeowners’ Insurance: California’s fair housing laws ban homeowners’ insurance companies from discriminating against you because of who you are, including by charging higher rates or refusing a claim.
- Businesses: In California, businesses must generally ensure equal access to goods and services and cannot change how they provide services, who they allow to use their services, or the prices they charge based on protected characteristics.
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:
- Emergency Preparedness: The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services helps Californians prepare for emergencies, whether it is wildfires, storms, or earthquakes.
- Wildfire Resources: Get live and up-to-date information on wildfires in your area through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
- Workplace Safety: Stay up to date on workplace hazard advisories and worker protections through the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- Road Conditions: Get general information on road closures and conditions through the California Department of Transportation.
- Insurance Protections: The California Department of Insurance shares information and consumer alerts on protections for policyholders impacted by wildfires and other disasters.
- Price Gouging: The California Department of Justice provides information about price gouging after an emergency has been declared and what you can do about it.
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.