discrimination
EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION »
Discrimination and document abuse in the hiring process
You’ve been verifying I-9’s since the Immigration Reform and Control Act became effective in 1986. Imagine your surprise to receive a letter from the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice notifying you that you are being investigated for document abuse discrimination in the employment eligibility verification process.
WORKPLACE ROMANCES »
Drama, drama, drama
H&M International employee Ehnae Northington, the future plaintiff, was dating co-worker Terrell Maghett. Unfortunately, Maghett was already involved in a seven-year-long dating relationship with another female coworker, Shequita Sims. When Sims became suspicious that Maghett was involved with Northington, she made verbal and physical threats against Northington. Eventually, Sims physically assaulted Northington outside of work, and later pled guilty to battery.
EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION LAW »
Happy New Year, Employers! Signed, Tenth Circuit
Just in time to finish off the year and get 2013 off to a good start, on December 11, 2012, the Tenth Circuit handed down a ruling clarifying and/or reiterating several rules of employment discrimination law—all in favor of employers. This ruling should not change your daily practices, but it does add some extra armor, if you ever find yourself in a lawsuit.
REDUCTIONS IN FORCE »
Sexual orientation and reverse discrimination
Not all discrimination claims are created equal. To prove reverse sexual discrimination against a male employee requires greater proof than gender discrimination claims filed by women. The United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit reiterated that point in a recent case. The case highlights judicial deference to an employer’s business judgment in reductions in force…
AS SEEN ON TV »
Taking the mystery out of bad hiring practices
Want some free anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training? Well, have I got a deal for you! Mystery Diners is a reality show on the Food Network. The show’s concept involves a father-daughter team who pretend to be employees and/or customers at a target restaurant in order to help the owner uncover the “leaks in the dam” so to speak.
EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE »
Oklahoma Human Rights Commission ceases operations as of June 30
In 1963 the Oklahoma Legislature created the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission (OHRC) to implement the Legislature’s mandate of “removing friction, eliminating discrimination, and promoting unity and understanding among all the people of Oklahoma.” The legislation was part of the national civil rights movement…
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION »
Bad faith conciliation backfires on agency
During the last couple of years, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has become more active in bringing employment discrimination suits against employers. That strategy has been most common in cases where the EEOC accuses an employer of some form of class-based wrongdoing and files an action against a company on behalf of multiple individuals. However, [...]
7.5% in Apr 2013
6.4% in Apr 2013








WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION »
Construction worker too ‘manly’ to win same‑sex harassment claim
Vulgar banter, homophobic epithets and lewd gestures apparently don’t rise to the level of unlawful harassment and discrimination under Title VII, especially if you are not homosexual or noticeably effeminate. So says the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in its decision handed down last week.
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