The Supreme Court recently heard arguments on cases related to discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people in the workplace. These cases, including Bostock v. Clayton County and R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. EEOC, alleging employees were discriminated against because they were discovered to be gay and transgender, respectively. In both cases, the question is not whether they were discriminated against, but instead, whether that discrimination violated the law. Continue reading “LGBTQ Discrimination Cases Go to Supreme Court”
Tag: employment discrimination
How to Protect Yourself From Employment Discrimination Claims
If you’re an employer, chances are you’ve concerned yourself with the possibility of an employment discrimination lawsuit. Even if you go out of your way to treat all your employees with respect and fairness, the risk of a discrimination lawsuit is ever-present. And unfortunately, simply being well-intentioned doesn’t necessarily protect you from a discrimination suit. Continue reading “How to Protect Yourself From Employment Discrimination Claims”
New York City Takes Steps to Combat Discrimination Based on Hair
In February 2019, New York City released new guidelines that would provide legal recourse to those who have faced harassment, punishment, or termination due to their hair or hairstyle. As reported by The New York Times, the legal enforcement guidelines, which were released by the New York City Commission on Human Rights (NYCCHR), specify that targeting individuals based on their hair or hairstyle at work, in school, or in public spaces can now be considered racial discrimination. The law is applicable to New York City. Continue reading “New York City Takes Steps to Combat Discrimination Based on Hair”
What Employers Need to Know About New York’s Anti-Discrimination Laws
New York employees are protected against employment discrimination under federal, state and local laws. Several federal laws extend protection against discrimination to employees. The most prominent law is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on sex, race, color, national origin, and religion. Both the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) extend employee protections to more categories than federal law. Continue reading “What Employers Need to Know About New York’s Anti-Discrimination Laws”
Job Applicant’s Salary History Off the Table in the Interview Process
Recently, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a bill into law that prohibits all New York City employers from inquiring about a job applicant’s salary history. The bill, Intro 1253, is an expansion of the Mayor’s original Executive Order 21 that was signed in November 2016 and includes both private and public employers. According to Mayor de Blasio this legislation seeks to combat the discriminatory pre-hiring procedures that negatively impact women and minorities. Continue reading “Job Applicant’s Salary History Off the Table in the Interview Process”
Woman Who Uses a Gestational Surrogate Sues Verizon For Workplace Discrimination
Marybeth Walz has filed a lawsuit in Boston federal court against Verizon Network Solutions, of Basking Ridge, where she worked as a salesperson, earning $170,000. Ms. Walz has filed suit for improperly handling her untraditional method of having a child. The complaint accuses Verizon of pregnancy, disability, and sex discrimination, as well as employer retaliation and violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Continue reading “Woman Who Uses a Gestational Surrogate Sues Verizon For Workplace Discrimination”
Second Circuit Looks to New York State Court of Appeals for Guidance Regarding NYCHRL
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is seeking clarification from the New York Court of Appeals in a case involving an employee who is suing her employer and two of her co-workers under Title VII and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). The claim alleges that the employer engaged in pregnancy discrimination following her termination while on maternity leave. In reviewing the case, Chauca v. Park Management Systems, the court is seeking guidance from the Court of Appeals regarding the appropriate standard for awarding punitive damages under the NYCHRL. Continue reading “Second Circuit Looks to New York State Court of Appeals for Guidance Regarding NYCHRL”
Employment Discrimination and HIV
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it has filed two employment discrimination lawsuits based on an employee’s HIV status. The two lawsuits were filed in Texas federal courts and allege that Texas-based employers were in violation of federal law by engaging in disability-related discrimination based on an employee’s HIV status. Continue reading “Employment Discrimination and HIV”
