Over the weekend, I read a Sixth Circuit decision about a police officer who successfully argued that he faced a hostile work environment due to age discrimination—despite the absence of explicit age-related comments. This case highlights how a pattern of behavior can create a discriminatory workplace, even without direct remarks…
On Wednesday, the Attorney General issued a memo titled “Ending Illegal DEI and DEIA Discrimination and Preferences,” a move poised to send ripples through the private and educational sectors. Aligned with President Trump’s Executive Order on January 21, 2025, this directive targets diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and diversity, equity, inclusion,…
I just had to write about a federal court decision from earlier in 2024 that I finally got around to reading. It serves as a critical reminder for employers: All complaints about a hostile work environment must be taken seriously—even when they involve a comedian hired to entertain at a…
Over the weekend, I came across a court ruling highlighting a surprising legal reality: an employee who admits to breaking company rules can still have a valid discrimination case. Here’s what happened: A team leader at a supermarket chain was responsible for overseeing the food service and deli departments. One…
A recent federal appellate court decision reminds employers of the need to communicate openly with employees about disability accommodations. In this case, an employee with a serious knee injury repeatedly asked for a reduced schedule, supported by a doctor’s note recommending shorter workdays, to manage pain and swelling. Even with…
Earlier this week, I searched for LGBTQ+ resources on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website. On Google, I found a page titled “Moving Towards Equality in the Workplace for LGBTQI+ Employees.” But when I clicked the link, I got an error message: “The requested page could not be…
According to multiple reports, including NPR and Reuters, President Trump has taken decisive action to reshape key federal labor and employment agencies, removing several high-profile officials. Among those dismissed are National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) General Counsel Karla Gilbride—moves…
Last night, I came across a court decision that raised some eyebrows. The case involved a black employee who alleged that his white supervisor used racial slurs, including the n-word, and that the same slur was found written on a bathroom wall. He reported harassment and felt that his concerns…
In a recent decision, the First Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court’s dismissal of a religious discrimination claim. The case involved an employee terminated for refusing a COVID-19 vaccination due to her religious beliefs. Yes, I get it—COVID-19 cases may feel like old news. But stick with me…
ICYMI, President Trump has issued an Executive Order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” This order aims to eliminate illegal discrimination and preferences based on race and sex in federal policies and practices, with significant implications for private businesses. Here’s what human resources professionals, employment lawyers, and business…
