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Discrimination / Harassment

Snapshot: Has #MeToo made it difficult for men to work with women?

04/10/2018
Overall, 51% of adults say an increased focus on sexual harassment has made it harder for men to interact with women at work.

Watch out for Section 1981, the ancient law that can put your own assets at risk

04/09/2018
A federal court has made it clear: If a workplace is found to be a racially hostile environment, individual decision-makers are at risk of being held personally liable. Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 sometimes allows for bigger verdicts and personal liability for supervisors, managers, owners and even HR professionals.

Harassment victim can’t choose punishment

04/09/2018
Employers have an obligation to investigate and come up with an effective way to stop harassment and prevent it from happening again. However, that doesn’t mean the alleged victim gets to choose the remedy.

Can’t explain firing? Better call your lawyer

04/09/2018
Employers that can’t provide a good, business-related explanation for every termination are courting legal trouble. Unless an employer can justify its action, an employee who sues for discrimination will find it relatively easy to get the case in front of a jury.

Schneiderman: Personal liability in Weinstein case

04/09/2018
In court documents related to the state of New York’s sexual harassment lawsuit against the Weinstein Company, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman leveled blistering criticism at the film production firm’s embattled founder Harvey Weinstein. But he wasn’t Schneiderman’s only target.

EEOC pursues service-related harassment

04/05/2018
The EEOC is putting employers on notice that it will vigorously enforce the rights of employees who serve in the National Guard or military reserves or who are veterans.

Snapshot: Disability discrimination charges, 2007 – 2017

04/03/2018
Annual EEOC disability discrimination charges, up 51% since 2007, reached a high of 28,073 in 2016.

2nd Circuit rules: Anti-gay bias is sex discrimination

04/03/2018
The 2nd Circuit joins the 7th Circuit in ruling that sexual orientation is protected from discrimination, a position contrary to that taken recently by the 11th Circuit.

Document details to show why discipline differed

04/03/2018
If you hand out different discipline for two employees who commit similar violations, make sure you document exactly why. That way, if you are later sued, you can explain the difference.

Court punts on blaming employer for subordinate’s bias

04/03/2018
The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Pennsylvania employers, has dodged deciding whether a subordinate’s bias can be imputed to the employer.