• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

Discrimination / Harassment

Bias on basis of gender identity remains illegal despite EEOC promise to reverse course

02/18/2025
In a statement, acting EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas said the EEOC “is returning to its mission of protecting women from sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination in the workplace by rolling back the Biden administration’s gender identity agenda.” But issuing a press release does not change official policy.

Starbucks faces lawsuit claiming DEI is ‘pretext’ for discrimination

02/18/2025
The state of Missouri is suing Starbucks, alleging that the coffee chain’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs are a “mere pretext for its actual commitment to unlawful discrimination.”

Why your harassment-reporting system might be failing

02/12/2025
A survey of more than 2,000 U.S. workers reveals critical gaps in how organizations handle harassment prevention and response—gaps that could be costing businesses talent and money.

How microaggressions can lead to major legal headaches

02/12/2025
A “microaggression” is a subtle, often unintentional comment or action that conveys bias or discrimination against a marginalized group. In the right circumstances, they can amount to an adverse action that supports a workplace retaliation claim.

Lower sick pay for older workers won’t fly

02/12/2025
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act bar discrimination based on age and require older workers to receive the same benefits as younger ones. That includes sick and short-term disability leave.

Employer sued for not opening jobs to women

02/12/2025
Employers should know they can’t discriminate against applicants because of their sex, but that message hasn’t made its way to every hiring manager.

Executive order means federal contractors have new anti-discrimination rules to follow

02/07/2025
A White House executive order issued the day after President Donald Trump took office is already forcing companies that provide contract services to the federal government to revamp their anti-discrimination policies.

4 steps to make sure anti-harassment policies, practices succeed

02/03/2025
Many teenage employees have only a vague understanding of how the workplace works. That’s why it’s crucial for HR to educate teen workers about your anti-harassment policies and work rules before they begin work.

Ensure teen employees understand anti-harassment protections

01/31/2025
Many teenage employees have only a vague understanding of how the workplace works. They may have a ton of questions about everything from their job duties to when they will be paid. But most aren’t going to know what HR does or how to ask for help if a co-worker or supervisor is harassing them. That’s why it’s crucial for HR to educate teen workers about your anti-harassment policies and work rules before they begin work.

After Muldrow, beware routine management decisions that may trigger bias lawsuits

01/27/2025
Courts recognize that employers must be free to manage their workforces as they see fit—with some limitations. But that live-and-let-live ethos changed when the Supreme Court issued its Muldrow v. St. Louis decision in April 2024.