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Discrimination / Harassment

Document that you held anti-harassment training

06/19/2017
It’s easier to defeat sexual harassment lawsuits if you have a robust anti-harassment policy and let employees know exactly how to use it. The key is to prove that the worker knew about the policy but failed to use it.

It’s simple: No comments ever about employee’s religion or religious practices

06/19/2017
The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated a lawsuit against a bank based on a manager’s frequent comments to a Muslim employee that she should remove her hijab.

Big bucks for harassment, plus attorneys’ fees

06/19/2017
A New York State appeals court has concluded that a state trooper who suffered sexual harassment over a period of almost 15 years is entitled to more than just the usual damages. Her attorneys’ fees will be paid separately, leaving the jury award intact for the trooper alone.

English-only rule must have legit business purpose

06/15/2017
Two cashiers at a Forever 21 retail store in California were allegedly forbidden to speak Spanish at work and then threatened with termination for filing a discrimination complaint.

Yank a job offer due to pregnancy? That’ll be $100k

06/15/2017
A woman who was offered an insurance job asked about maternity benefits because she was pregnant. Minutes later, she received an email revoking the offer.

Sticky notes = sticky problem: Keep ageist opinions off applications

06/15/2017
By now, managers and HR reps probably know to avoid writing anything on applications or résumés that could be interpreted as discriminatory based on race, sex, religion, age or disability. It’s also unwise to attach sticky notes that imply bias.

Never assume pregnant employee can’t work

06/15/2017
Here’s an important reminder to pass along to your organization’s supervisors: While pregnant employees who experience complications may be temporarily disabled and entitled to reasonable accommodations, never assume an employee has limitations just because she is pregnant.

KKK hoods lead to settlement in Houston retaliation case

06/13/2017
Downhole Technologies in Houston will pay $120,000 to settle charges it retaliated against a black employee after he complained of harassment.

$150k for the hair on his chinny, chin, chin

06/13/2017
U.S. Tubular Steel Products in Houston will pay a former applicant $150,000 in damages after it refused to accommodate his religious beliefs during a pre-employment drug test.

Document performance to beat bias claims

06/13/2017
When a fired employee claims he was the victim of discrimination, be prepared to show that the real reason for termination was poor performance. That requires keeping detailed documentation of any work deficiencies.