Legally, the term "discrimination" covers only actions that are taken against people because they belong to certain protected classes. LA Civil Rights has the authority to enforce the City's Civil and Human Rights Law, which prohibits discrimination in the private sector areas.A charge of discrimination is a signed statement asserting that an employer, union or labor organization engaged in employment discrimination. What is Race or National Origin Discrimination? California and federal laws make it illegal for employers to discriminate against job applicants or employees. California and federal laws make it illegal for employers to discriminate against job applicants or employees. Generally, discrimination means less favorable workplace conditions bases on an employee's membership in one or more of the protected groups listed below. There is a fair amount of confusion between the commonly used definition of discrimination and how the law actually defines discrimination. Discrimination is against the law. Los Angeles County Health Services follows State and Federal civil rights laws.