Seyfarth Synopsis: In her appeal to the Fifth Circuit, Plaintiff Bonnie O’Daniel argues that the trial court wrongly concluded that it was unreasonable for O’Daniel to believe that a complaint about discrimination based on sexual orientation constituted a protected activity. The EEOC recently joined the fray by filing an amicus
The Supreme Court’s Decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop Provides Little Guidance on Intersection of Religious and LGBT Rights
By: Scott Rabe, Sam Schwartz-Fenwick, Marlin Duro
Seyfarth Synopsis: In a largely symbolic ruling, in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of a cake shop owner who refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple based on his religious beliefs. By
Recent Decision Re-Enforces the Legal Framework for Sexual Harassment Claims
By John P. Phillips and Linda Schoonmaker
Seyfarth Synopsis: In recent months, sexual harassment has seized national headlines and raised significant questions about company policies, procedures, and culture. In response, many companies and HR personnel have questioned how to appropriately respond to complaints of sexual harassment. A recent decision out of the Western District
VII Before IX: Continuing Saga in Harassment Claim Preemption
By Kristin G. McGurn and Bridget M. Maricich
Seyfarth Synopsis: A recent decision by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, part of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, reaffirmed a growing circuit split regarding whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 preempts concurrent claims raised under Title IX
Forcing the Flu Shot? DOJ Sues Over Flu Policy That Requires A Note From The Clergy
By Kyla J. Miller and Dawn Reddy Solowey
Seyfarth Synopsis: The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit on behalf of a nursing home employee alleging she was forced to receive a flu shot to keep her job when she could not provide a note from a clergy member in support of her request, causing
Sixth Circuit Finds EEOC’s Enforcement of Title VII Does Not Need to “Give Way” to Religious Freedom Restoration Act
By Scott Rabe and Marlin Duro
Seyfarth Synopsis: In its recent decision in EEOC v. R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes, Inc., No. 16-2424, 2018 U.S. App. LEXIS 5720 (6th Cir. Mar. 7, 2018), the U.S. Court of Appeal for the Sixth Circuit has sent the strong message that the Religious Freedom Restoration
Second Circuit Holds That Title VII Bars Sexual Orientation Discrimination
By Scott Rabe and Sam Schwartz-Fenwick
Seyfarth Synopsis: In landmark decision, the Second Circuit joins the Seventh Circuit in holding that Title VII prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation as a subset of sex discrimination.
In a landmark decision today in Zarda v. Altitude Express, Inc., No. 15-3775, the Second Circuit
Tenth Circuit Rules Reasonableness of Religious Accommodations Requires Factual Determination
By Christine Mary Costantino and Dawn Reddy Solowey
Seyfarth Synopsis: The Tenth Circuit has recently vacated summary judgment in favor of an employer in a religious accommodation case that centers on what constitutes a “reasonable” accommodation of an employee’s observance of – and consequent inability to work on – the Sabbath. In this case,
Eighth Circuit: Employer May “Elaborate” on Explanation for Termination During Litigation
Seyfarth Synopsis: In a recent decision, the Eighth Circuit held that Title VII does not require an employer to provide an employee a reason for termination at the time of termination, and that an employer is not strictly bound in litigation to whatever reasons may have been provided at the
Back Pay Burden-New Trial Ordered Where Jury Slashed Plaintiff’s Request for Back Pay
Seyfarth Synopsis: The Sixth Circuit ordered a new trial in a Title VII case where plaintiff presented evidence he was entitled to back pay, the employer presented no evidence to the contrary, and the jury only awarded a small percentage of plaintiff’s ask. In ordering the new trial, the Sixth