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Discrimination / Harassment

Track each supervisor’s disciplinary patterns

01/03/2019
Discrimination is often manifested by individual acts, not a systemic, organization-wide problem. That makes it important to track discipline by supervisor.

UPS delivers $4.9 million for religious bias

01/03/2019
Package delivery giant UPS has agreed to settle a long-running religious discrimination suit filed by the EEOC that alleged the company’s grooming rules discriminated against applicants and employees who wear beards to conform with their religious beliefs.

Tell bosses: No comments about health costs

01/03/2019
Make sure supervisors understand that it is never appropriate to question how much an employee’s health problems might cost the organization.

Make lactation space a priority for 2019

01/03/2019
Are you starting 2019 without a proper space where nursing employees can pump breast milk? Chances are good that affected employees have noticed—and aren’t pleased that you’re ignoring a requirement that has been on the books for almost a decade.

Minneapolis mayor vows to fire racist tree decorators

01/02/2019
Two unnamed police officers in Minneapolis’ 4th Precinct have been suspended and may face termination after hanging “racist” ornaments on a police station Christmas tree.

Court: ACA requires plans to cover gender reassignment

01/02/2019
A recent decision by the federal court in charge of Minnesota cases has ruled that health plans that exclude gender reassignment coverage violate the Affordable Care Act.

8th Circuit refuses to entertain sweeping expansion of religious discrimination claims

01/02/2019
The EEOC has argued that merely requesting a religiously based reasonable accommodation is protected activity and that any adverse employment action that follows may be retaliation for making the request. But the 8th Circuit declined the invitation.

Boss comments on pregnancy? Tell ‘em to zip it!

01/02/2019
When an employee announces that she’s pregnant, there is only one appropriate response: Congratulations! Any further comments usher in the risk of litigation.

Affair with subordinate leads fire chief to resign

01/02/2019
The longtime fire chief of Apple Valley, Minnesota, has resigned after admitting to a sexual relationship with a junior city employee in violation of city employment rules.

Document precise reason for termination

01/02/2019
Detailed documentation is your best defense if a fired employee sues for discrimination. You will be able to show that your reasons were not motivated by bias.