Recent “High-Profile” Employment Disputes
This post provides information regarding recent high profile employment law cases in the US, involving employment discrimination based on age and race. It is illegal under federal law to hire or terminate an employee based on their age, race, sex, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or disability.
Ricci v. DeStefano: Employment Discrimination
The Supreme Court recently made a decision regarding Ricci v. DeStefano, a case in which eighteen firefighters of the city of New Haven, Connecticut accused the city of discrimination. The alleged discrimination took place when the applicants were asked to take a test for the purpose of promotion; the results of which were discarded by the city when an insufficient number of minorities scored highly enough for promotion. The Supreme Court ruled that the city of New Haven had violated discrimination laws under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Philadelphia Police Allege Workplace Discrimination
In July 2009, CNN reported that a group of Philadelphia police officers had filed a lawsuit regarding racial discrimination in their department. The accusation stems from a privately-run police forum website that allegedly contains racist content. The racially offensive material was both viewed and discussed by co-workers while on-duty or at the workplace, making other officers feel angry, uncomfortable, and marginalized. This type of behavior can constitute workplace discrimination and violates employment law.
Age Discrimination Involving Pro Hockey Coach
Also in July, it was reported that a professional hockey coach’s position was terminated. Comments were made by related representatives that suggested the termination was due to age rather than directly attributed to job performance. Under federal law it is illegal and discriminatory to terminate an employee based on factors such as age, sex, race, or disability.
San Francisco employment law firm of Brownstein Thomas, LLP, 877.214.9714, offers legal advice to both the employers and employees in state as well as federal courts and arbitration proceedings.
San Francisco employment attorneys
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