Activision Blizzard faces lawsuit over gender discrimination

Activision Blizzard, Inc. is facing a lawsuit accusing it of allowing a “frat boy” culture and promoting sexism in the gaming industry. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica.

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or DFEH, has agreed with the employees who came forward and now intends to resolve complaints about gender discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment (as well as other allegations) through the lawsuit.

What allegations does Activision Blizzard face?

In the complaint, the company is accused of treating its female employees unfairly. How? They claim that Activision Blizzard:

• Denied them the same opportunities for promotions as their male colleagues
• Fired them wrongfully
• Paid them less than their male counterparts
• Forced them to waive certain legal rights in order to work for the company
• Refused to prevent harassment or discrimination in the workplace
• Sexually harassed them

The DFEH cited several alleged incidents in the complaint. One woman, for example, claimed that her male supervisor wouldn’t speak with her directly and instead required her to speak to him through a male colleague. In another claim, a woman said she was told she wouldn’t be promoted because she could get pregnant and “like being a mom too much.”

These are serious allegations.  If the claims are true, they show how discriminatory a workplace can become if sexist and discriminatory actions are allowed to go on freely.

If your workplace is sexist or you feel that you have been discriminated against for being female, it is in your best interests to look into your legal rights. You may be able to file a claim against your employer.