Articles Posted in Discrimination and Unlawful Harassment

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The federal government may be cracking down on what it deems “illegal DEI,” but a new memo from the Attorneys General of 15 states clarifies what most of us already knew: businesses can legally implement diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives. Moreover, these programs can help companies comply with civil rights laws and reduce the risk of discrimination claims. Here’s what employers need to know. Continue reading

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A federal judge in Maryland has issued a nationwide injunction halting key provisions of two executive orders that sought to limit workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The ruling means that, for now, employers—especially federal contractors and grant recipients—can continue their DEI efforts without immediate legal risk. Continue reading

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President Trump’s recent Executive Order, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” has raised pressing questions about the future of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The order emphasizes enforcing civil rights laws, eliminating race- and sex-based preferences in federal policies, and promoting merit-based opportunities. In response, many employers are wondering: What does this mean for DEI programs in the private sector? Continue reading

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Last night, I read a First Circuit decision about an employee at a grocery store who violated company policy by buying beer for her underage grandson, except she claimed age discrimination.

Spoiler alert: she lost.

Stick around for some HR101: Clear policies and consistent enforcement matter. Continue reading

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On Saturday, the Associated Press reported that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) moved to drop several lawsuits related to gender identity discrimination. Let’s examine what caused this change in direction and the implications for employers. Continue reading

So much ink has been spilled recently about the viability and legality of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. This week, a federal court weighed in on whether a Pacific Northwest employer’s DEI training created a hostile work environment for a white employee.

It didn’t.

More importantly, the court clarified a key point many have overlooked: DEI training is not inherently unlawful.

This ruling carries significant implications for employers dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces with DEI training. Here are three key takeaways from the court’s decision. Continue reading

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It’s rare for an employee claiming discrimination to have a “smoking gun” piece of evidence. I’ve yet to defend a case where an employer outright says, “We’re firing you, old man, because you’re just too damn old.” Instead, most plaintiffs have to rely on circumstantial evidence to prove their case.

In age discrimination claims, that often means poking holes in the employer’s stated reasons for termination—showing inconsistencies, contradictions, or just plain weak excuses. And that’s precisely what happened in a recent Ninth Circuit case. Continue reading

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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 about age. Continue reading

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“Doing What’s Right – Not Just What’s Legal”
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