SCOTUS to Review Standard in Reverse Discrimination Cases

Skip Sperry February 7, 2025Blog Leave a Comment

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could significantly impact employment discrimination law. The case, Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, raises the issue of whether plaintiffs in so-called “reverse discrimination” cases should be required to meet a heightened pleading standard—an issue that has divided federal courts for years.

Understanding “Background Circumstances”

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is unlawful for employers to discriminate based on race,

Idaho Human Rights Commission Statistics FY2015

Skip Sperry September 23, 2015Blog 1 Comment

Today I attended a continuing legal education seminar for the Idaho State Bar Employment and Labor Law Section. Linda Goodman, Administrator/Director of the Idaho Human Rights Commission, was the presenter. I thought some of the statistics she presented were worth passing on.

During the Commission’s 2015 fiscal year, 443 new cases were filed, up from 435 in fiscal year 2014. Of the 443 new cases, 414 were employment related. The following table shows what categories of employment discrimination the cases alleged:

EEOC Issues Religious Dress & Grooming Guidance

Skip Sperry March 10, 2014Blog Leave a Comment

On March 6, 2014, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) released two publications offering technical assitance on workplace rights and responsibilities with respect to religious dress and grooming under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The question-and-answer guide, entitled “Religious Garb and Grooming in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities,” and an accompanying fact sheet, provide a discussion of the applicable law, practical advice for employers and employees,