Internal: Subject: Out of Office – Fly Eagles Fly! I am currently out of the office, celebrating the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory with thousands of my closest friends (and one very excited son). If you need immediate assistance, please ask yourself, “Is this more important than the Birds winning it…
Yesterday, I discussed the viability and legality of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and how a court recently ruled that DEI training is not inherently unlawful. However, that doesn’t mean DEI initiatives can’t cross legal lines. This week, Missouri announced it had filed a lawsuit…
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…
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.…
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,…
Last week, former President Trump made headlines (and blog posts) for firing Gwynne A. Wilcox, Chair of the National Labor Relations Board, even though her term was set to last until 2028. This week, Ms. Wilcox sued to get her job back. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters for…
A recent court decision serves as a stark reminder for employers: When employees take Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, they should not be pressured to work or penalized for their absence. What Happened? An employee suffered a stroke and requested FMLA leave, which was later approved retroactively. During her…
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…