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Discrimination / Harassment

Workplace stats can help disprove discrimination intent

12/01/2006

Nothing rankles employers more than being accused of discrimination when the statistics show that their workplace is a model of diversity and equal opportunity. You can turn those statistics in your favor …

Putting more weight on interview isn’t pretext for bias

12/01/2006

Employers that use a hiring committee to decide between candidates can put more emphasis on interview performance as a factor in the selection process. That’s true even if assessing how a person interviews is somewhat subjective …

Remark on religious fervor isn’t proof of biased motive

12/01/2006

It’s almost never wise to comment on an employee’s religion or religious practices. But take heart in a new ruling that shows not all inappropriate comments will be deemed discrimination …

Foil state bias claims by checking the calendar

12/01/2006

Texas employees have 180 days after an alleged discriminatory act to file discrimination charges with the Texas Commission on Human Rights. So, you can get a charge tossed out if you can prove it was filed more than 180 days afterward. But what counts as a “discriminatory act”?…

Should we require harassment claims be in writing?

12/01/2006

Q. Our new plant manager wants me to revise our sexual harassment policy to require that complaints be in writing. He says this will formalize the procedure and help ensure that only valid complaints are filed. I don’t think this is a good idea. Is it?

Who Should Decide If You Offer Domestic-Partner Perks?

11/01/2006

Your organization—not the government—should make that call, say a majority of 2,500 adults surveyed by Out & Equal Workplace Advocates …

Base promotions on impartial, job-Related reasons

11/01/2006

When deciding whom to promote, make sure you’re using an impartial selection process to pick the best candidate. That’s the only way to stay on safe legal ground …

Managers may be personally liable under old bias law

11/01/2006

Here’s another point to get the attention of your managers and supervisors when they complain about yet another discrimination training session. If they don’t pay attention, it’s not just the company that may suffer. They could be sued personally, too …

Beware giving contradictory reasons for a layoff

11/01/2006

When explaining to employees the reasons for a layoff, make sure you don’t contradict yourself. That’s especially true when the same manager gives an employee different reasons: A jury can take those contradictions and infer discrimination …

If Employees Sue, Double-Check Their Qualifications

11/01/2006

When employees sue you for discrimination, be sure to pull out their job applications and résumé for a second look. You may discover that they misrepresented their education or job history, which could sink their case …