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Policies / Handbooks

Court blocks two Trump anti-DEI orders targeting private employers

02/28/2025
A federal judge in Maryland has temporarily blocked portions of two White House executive orders aimed at abolishing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in private-sector organizations, including federal contractors.

DEI opposition may require handbook changes

02/20/2025
Since taking office, President Trump has aggressively issued orders seeking to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from the federal government—and now from the private sector, too. To avoid potential federal scrutiny, you may want to consider revising your DEI programs and how they are described in your handbook.

New Jersey marijuana laws prohibit applicant lawsuits

02/12/2025
In 2022, New Jersey voters approved an amendment to the state constitution that decriminalized the use and possession of marijuana. The law also barred discrimination based on marijuana usage but stated that employers were entitled to maintain a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

How to minimize the legal risks of romance at work

02/12/2025
Valentine’s Day is coming up fast—the perfect time to revisit policies regulating romance in the workplace. Start with this simple proposition: You’re better off managing co-worker relationships than issuing an outright ban. Then follow these tips.

DOJ to investigate private employers’ DEI activities

02/10/2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi is launching a nationwide investigation of private-sector employers that conduct activities designed to foster diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in their workplaces, a process that Bondi said could result in criminal charges against companies.

Plan now for administration’s possible DEI crackdown

02/03/2025
In his first week in office, President Trump issued a wide-ranging executive order designed to identify federal government agencies that have what are colloquially called diversity, equity and inclusion programs or policies. At first glance, most private-sector employers might not be concerned. But dig deeper, and the order reveals more.

Off-duty medical marijuana use may call for accommodation

01/15/2025
As more states legalize medical and other marijuana usage, employers must adjust their policies to conform to those new laws. That’s not an easy task.

Costco’s masterclass on responding to DEI backlash

01/15/2025
Recently, Costco’s board rejected a shareholder proposal aimed at rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Instead, the company doubled down on its commitment to making its workplaces inclusive and equitable.

Determine legitimacy of absence through call-off rules

01/15/2025
You expect employees to show up on time, as scheduled. But absences do happen, for many reasons. The only way to separate legitimate absences from frivolous or fraudulent ones is to require prior notice and a reason.

Handbook rules and enforcement remain crucial

01/15/2025
Rules that aren’t always enforced spell trouble. On the other hand, when employers provide clear rules spelled out in the handbook and enforce them, the chances of losing a discrimination case fall dramatically.