Seyfarth Synopsis: The Legislature concluded its 2023-24 session in the wee hours of its August 31, 2024, deadline to pass bills. Now it’s up to Governor Newsom to call the plays as to what employment bills he will sign into law. The bills for his consideration read intersectionality into FEHA protected categories, recast victims’ time
Continue Reading Legislative Update: Legislature Hikes the Ball For Signing Kickoff
By Linda Schoonmaker and Kyle Winnick
Seyfarth Synopsis: The Fifth Circuit dismissed a plaintiff’s harassment claims because the employer took prompt action to stop the harassment and prevent it from continuing. This case highlights the importance for employers to have effective harassment policies and procedures in place.
Acting promptly to remedy discrimination in the workplace is not just
Continue Reading Prompt Remedial Action Saves the Day for This EmployerBy Erin Dougherty Foley and Katherine Mendez
Seyfarth Synopsis: In light of recent events, the Employment Law Lookout Blog provides some reflection and thought on returning to work in uncertain times.
In February and March we were only just preparing for, and beginning to respond to, the worldwide pandemic. Many of the issues related to returning to work have
Continue Reading Considerations for Employers Returning To Work Amidst Social Unrest and COVID-19
By Gerald L. Maatman, Jr., Christopher DeGroff, and Matthew J. Gagnon
Seyfarth Synopsis: The EEOC recently released updated guidance for employers trying to navigate the federal anti-discrimination laws in the COVID-19 era – entitled What You Should Know About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19. The most recent update adds significantly to the EEOC’s position on how
Continue Reading Updated EEOC COVID-19 Guidance: The Commission Adds New Q&A To Help Employers Understand Their EEO Obligations In These Trying Times
By Paul Galligan and Meredith-Anne Berger
Seyfarth Synopsis: The New York City Council voted to expand the anti-discrimination and retaliation provisions of the Human Rights Law to freelancers and independent contractors. The bill is awaiting the Mayor’s signature. New York City employers should also be aware that the law prohibiting retaliation against anyone who requests a reasonable accommodation goes
Continue Reading New York’s Latest Expansions to Human Rights Laws Shake Up Employment Landscape
By Lennon B. Haas and Kevin M. Young
Seyfarth Synopsis: In Sellars v. CRST Expedited, Inc. Case No. C15-117-LTS (July 15, 2019), the Northern District of Iowa held that employer responses to sexual harassment complaints need not deter harassment by other employees, where the employer lacks notice that those other employees might engage in harassing behavior.
Background
CRST Expedited, Inc.
Continue Reading Effective Remedial Action Does Not Require Crystal Ball, Rules Iowa Court
By Nila Merola and Cameron A. Smith
Seyfarth Synopsis: Both houses of the New York State Legislature passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression and adds offenses motivated by gender identity or expression to the hate crimes statute.
On January 15, 2019, both the New York State Senate and
Continue Reading New York State Legislature Passes Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act
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 of Wisconsin provides a helpful
Continue Reading Recent Decision Re-Enforces the Legal Framework for Sexual Harassment Claims
By Kristina M. Launey and Myra B. Villamor
Seyfarth Synopsis: Plaintiffs who pursued numerous web accessibility actions under Title III of the ADA are now using website accessibility to test the limits of a different area of law – employment law – California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Over the past few years, we have frequently written about the proliferation
Continue Reading Beyond Title III: Website Accessibility Lawsuits Filed Alleging Inaccessible Online Employment Applications