By now, you’ve likely seen coverage of the Missouri Attorney General’s lawsuit challenging Starbucks’ DEI initiatives.
The opinion’s value lies in its doctrinal clarity. It illustrates how established discrimination law applies when DEI-related practices are challenged — and what employers should consider to reduce legal risk when designing and implementing those programs. Continue reading
What happens when mandatory workplace trainings designed to address bias and promote equity go too far? According to the Second Circuit, employers may find themselves defending against hostile work environment claims. Continue reading
Religious-accommodation requests are getting harder for employers to navigate, especially when they collide with policies meant to support transgender employees. The Seventh Circuit just reminded us that employers cannot lean on complaints or speculation alone. A jury will decide whether denying an accommodation is justified by a true “undue hardship.” Continue reading
The Department of Justice just offered more clarity on something most employers already know: you can’t treat people differently based on race or sex. But how does that principle apply to your DEI programs?
A new DOJ memo outlines where DEI initiatives might run afoul of federal law. It doesn’t change the rules—but it does spell out how some practices could create legal exposure. Continue reading
You already know the plaintiff won. What you might not know is what that means for your workplace policies, documentation practices, and DEI strategy. I broke it all down on this week’s On Record PR podcast. Continue reading
Diversity goals can strengthen a workplace — or, in some cases, spark a lawsuit. Just ask Clorox, now facing a revived gender discrimination claim despite its well-meaning initiatives. Continue reading
Yesterday, my law partner Amy Epstein Gluck and I hosted a Zoom conversation with former EEOC Commissioner Chai Feldblum on the legal boundaries of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Given the political climate and a flurry of legal developments—including EEOC inquiries and high-profile settlements—many employers are wondering: Can we still do DEI?
Chai’s answer? Yes—if you do it smart, inclusive, and legal. Continue reading
Today’s the day.
At 12:00 PM ET, my law partner Amy Epstein Gluck and I will be hosting a free Zoom conversation with Chai Feldblum, former EEOC Commissioner and a nationally recognized voice on civil rights and workplace inclusion.
If you’re an employer, HR professional, attorney, or business leader trying to make sense of the legal landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) — this is the conversation you need to hear. Continue reading
If your company has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative — or you’re thinking about starting one — you’ve likely been paying attention to the legal noise surrounding these programs lately. Continue reading
If you’re feeling confused or cautious about your company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, you’re not alone — and a group of former EEOC officials says that may be by design. Continue reading
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