A category of discrimination that does not yet have federal protection is discrimination on the basis of weight. Weight discrimination in the workplace is quite prevalent but remains unprotected nearly everywhere in the U.S. One troubling 2023 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management revealed that half of
Employment Discrimination
Bias in Hair Follicle Drug Tests: Detangling Injustice
Science indicates a problem – a HUGE problem – but big businesses, making big money, could not care less. Why should they when the law and the courts don’t hold them accountable? It is a system that is broken, and when the law refuses to step in, it remains that way.
There are many jobs…
The Law on Love
Valentine’s Day is a tricky day in the office. It’s a day that is about celebrating love when the office is often expressly not. This then makes the question “how can I safely celebrate” more important. Thankfully, this situation has laws that can help navigate this time.
Since February…
Mistletoe and Martinis: Caution When Mixing Office Holiday Fun and Cocktails
It’s that time of year again! As we roll into the holiday season, workplaces are gearing up for festive celebrations, including customary work holiday parties. These events are intended to foster camaraderie and team spirit. However, it is crucial to be reminded of the potential risks they pose, particularly concerning…
I’m now protected under the ADEA!
My birthday is this week. I turn 40. That means I’m now in a protected class! The older worker class. So as I continue the slow walk up the stony steps towards the box, I thought I’d talk about the ADEA.
Age discrimination in the workplace is a pervasive issue…
Pregnancy discrimination laws get a face-lift with the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”)
For a long time, there was a gray area under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and relevant case law when it came to accommodating pregnancy in the workplace. Under the current laws, discriminating against employees for being pregnant is illegal, but the current law’s protections do…
Karla Gilbride Appointment to the EEOC
Summary: The EEOC is tasked with the enforcement of many of the laws that ensure a fair and equitable workplace. As such, the role of who is at the helm of the agency is not small matter. Recently, Karla Gilbride has been appointed as the new General Counsel for the…
The Highlight of NELA 2023 – Appreciating Bostock, Stephens, and Zarda
This week, our law firm is at the annual National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) conference in Chicago. The convention kicked off with remarks from very bold and inspiring plaintiffs in landmark cases. One of the plaintiffs we heard from was Gerald Bostock, who was one of the Plaintiffs (and the named…
Is Pregnancy Protected Under the Americans with Disabilities Act?
There is a general understanding that the law affords certain protections for pregnant people in the workplace. Most notably, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination in the workplace on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was passed in 1978 as an amendment to Title…
Say Yes to the Dress…Code?
Discriminatory work dress codes are a contentious issue in many workplaces. Dress codes may unfairly target certain groups of employees based on their gender, race, religion, disability, or other personal characteristics. These dress codes can take many forms, such as: requiring women to wear high heels, dresses, or makeup; banning…