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Discrimination / Harassment

Comments don’t have to be overtly sexual to create an unlawful ‘hostile environment’

05/21/2014

The U.S. Supreme Court has said that Title VII gives employees, “the right to work in an environment free from discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, and insult whether based on sex, race, religion, or national origin.” To claim that they worked in a sexually hostile environment, em­­ployees typically need to point to ongoing discrimination based on the person’s gender.

No bling for EEOC: Judge blasts mishandling of bias claim

05/12/2014
The EEOC had one of its long-running cases dismissed after a federal judge in Buffalo criticized the commission’s handling of a discrimination case against Sterling Jewelers.

Violence against woman isn’t automatically sex bias

05/12/2014
While it’s always unacceptable, just because a man hits a female co-worker doesn’t mean she has a sex discrimination or harassment case.

Quickly addressing alleged retaliation saves the day

05/12/2014
You probably tell supervisors they shouldn’t punish employees for filing internal or EEOC discrimination complaints. That doesn’t mean employees who complain won’t perceive re­­tali­­ation in every slight change in their work situation. How you react can mean the difference between winning or losing a retaliation lawsuit.

Workplace tiff doesn’t mean workplace was necessarily a hostile environment

05/12/2014
Some employees seem to think that any uncomfortable situation at work can become the basis for a lawsuit. Fortunately, they are wrong. Co-workers don’t always get along, but that’s hardly grounds for a hostile work environment charge.

Worker facing discharge claims harassment? Investigate first, then fire if still warranted

05/12/2014
Sometimes, employers don’t learn about alleged discrimination or harassment until an employee brings up the claim when facing discharge for other reasons. If that happens, how should you respond?

Harassment fear won’t excuse insubordination

05/12/2014

When harassment allegations surface, we often advise separating the two parties to minimize chances of more misbehavior. Sometimes, employees find their own ways to keep away from harassers. However, business realities can make that unsustainable.

What caused the EEOC’s big age-bias charge spike?

05/08/2014
Was demography or economic distress to blame for the sudden jump in age discrimination charges between 2006 and 2008?

Texas town loses final appeal on immigration statute

05/01/2014
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear appeals of rulings that declared two of the nation’s most far-reaching anti-­immigrant statutes unconstitutional. The towns of Farmer’s Branch, Texas, and Hazleton, Pa., had adopted ordinances punishing landlords who rented to “illegal immigrants.” The Hazle­­ton ordinance also targeted employers that hired illegals.

McAllen, TX moves to put harassment case behind it

05/01/2014
The city of McAllen seems to be turning a page with the departure of an assistant city manager. The official had previously filed a sexual harassment complaint against a former city manager who retired in March.