A Fontana-based preschool, Leaps and Bounds, has agreed to a $200,000 settlement with the state of California following allegations that it discriminated against employees by enforcing an English-only policy. The policy, which restricted employees from speaking Spanish at work, was implemented after a teacher’s aide claimed retaliation for speaking Spanish during a work-related conversation. The settlement is set to compensate former and current employees who were affected by the policy.
The Issue Began with a Pen
The dispute began in 2023, when an employee at the preschool allegedly asked a coworker for a pen in Spanish. According to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), another employee overheard the conversation and claimed that Spanish was being used for gossiping. In response, the school introduced a blanket English-only policy for its staff, requiring employees to sign an agreement barring the use of Spanish unless communicating with non-English-speaking parents.
Alleged Retaliation and Discrimination
The employee who filed the complaint reported feeling discriminated against due to her cultural background and claimed that her hours were drastically reduced after the policy was enforced. The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) found that the policy created a hostile work environment, making employees feel unwelcome and undervalued.
Kevin Kish, Director of the CRD, emphasized that educators should be celebrated for their diverse backgrounds, not subjected to discrimination. "Leaps and Bounds’ alleged language ban fostered a hostile work culture that made staff feel unvalued and unwelcome," Kish said in a statement.
California’s Civil Rights Laws and Employer Obligations
Under California's civil rights laws, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on their national origin, race, or ethnicity. In response to the complaint, the CRD launched an investigation into the private preschool, which has campuses in Escondido, La Puente, and Fontana.
After mediation, Leaps and Bounds agreed to end its English-only policy and commit to training staff on California's civil rights laws to prevent future incidents of discrimination.
Settlement Details and Compensation
As part of the settlement, Leaps and Bounds will pay $200,000, which will be used to compensate employees affected by the English-only policy. Of this amount, $35,000 will be awarded to the employee who filed the complaint. The remaining funds will be used to notify other current and former employees who may be entitled to compensation.
The preschool has also agreed to implement training for its employees on California's anti-discrimination laws to ensure compliance with state regulations moving forward.
Impact of the Settlement
The settlement serves as a reminder to employers in California about the importance of respecting employees' rights and cultural backgrounds. Language discrimination can create a toxic work environment and lead to legal consequences. For Leaps and Bounds, this case highlights the need for clear policies that promote inclusivity and respect for diversity.
This case is another example of California’s commitment to enforcing civil rights protections in the workplace. The state has previously filed lawsuits against major companies like Tesla, Activision Blizzard, and Ralphs, highlighting the need for companies to adhere to anti-discrimination laws and foster inclusive environments.
For more information on California's civil rights laws or to file a discrimination complaint, visit the California Civil Rights Department website.via California https://ift.tt/seVwR8g
