A three-judge panel of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit recently issued a decision in Kuklenski v. Medtronic USA, Inc., No. 24-1310 (8th Cir. Apr. 9, 2025), finding that the definition of “employee” in the Minnesota Human Rights Act (“MHRA”) requires physical presence within Minnesota; virtual presence and work-related contacts with the state are not sufficient.… Continue Reading
American Alliance for Equal Rights Files Complaints with the IRS Seeking Investigations into Tax-Exempt Foundations Based on Allegations of Racial Discrimination
On April 1, 2025, the American Alliance for Equal Rights (“AAER”) filed complaints with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) alleging three tax-exempt private foundations—the Gates Foundation, the Lagrant Foundation and the Creative Capital Foundation—have engaged in racial discrimination by excluding white citizens from benefits and opportunities based on their race. Each complaint requests that the IRS open an investigation into the activities and tax-exempt status of the foundations.… Continue Reading
10 Takeaways for Employers from the EEOC and DOJ Guidance on DEI-Related Discrimination in the Workplace
On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the release of two technical assistance documents which are “focused on educating the public about unlawful discrimination related to ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI) in the workplace.” The EEOC and the DOJ released a joint one-page technical assistance document titled “What To Do If You Experience Discrimination Related to DEI at Work,” and the EEOC also released a longer question-and-answer technical assistance document titled “What You Should Know About DEI-Related Discrimination at Work” (collectively, the “Guidance”).… Continue Reading
Join Us at the 13th Annual Utah Fall Employment Seminar
November 13, 2024 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Please join us for an in-depth half day program focused on core issues and developments in labor and employment law with the greatest impact on Utah employers. Our panelists are Ballard Spahr’s Jason Boren, Charles Frohman, and Nima Darouian. Topics to be announced.… Continue Reading
SEC Announces Settlements with Seven Public Companies for Violations of Exchange Act Whistleblower Protections in Employee and Consulting Agreements
The SEC has begun to bring enforcement actions against companies whose employment and client agreements could appear to infringe on the right to report cases in violation of Section 21f-17(a) of the Exchange Act. On September 9, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that it settled charges against seven public companies for more than $3 million in combined civil penalties for including language in their employment, consulting and other agreements that potentially discourages whistleblowers from reporting issues to outside authorities.… Continue Reading
FDIC Proposes Limitations on Use of Non-Competes
On March 21, 2024, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) issued its proposed Statement of Policy on Bank Merger Transactions (the “Proposal”) for public comment. The Proposal seeks to update guidance, last amended in 2008, on how it will evaluate bank merger transactions with respect to competition, financial resources, the convenience and needs of communities, financial stability, and money laundering.… Continue Reading
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Final Rule on Independent Contractor Status Under the FLSA
On January 9, 2024, the US Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule that provides revised guidance on whether a worker is properly classified as an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Under the FLSA, employees are entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay, while independent contractors are not.… Continue Reading