discrimination

A federal judge in Texas issued a decision on May 15, 2025, striking down portions of the EEOC’s Enforcement Guidance on protections against employment discrimination based on gender identity and/or sexual orientation. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, who has served as a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas since appointed by President Trump in 2019, found that the EEOC had exceeded its statutory authority in issuing the guidance and granted summary judgment in favor of the plaintiffs, thereby vacating the guidance nationwide.… Continue Reading

Maryland Postpones the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI)

On May 6, 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed into law HB 102, delaying the start date of Maryland’s highly anticipated paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program (“FAMLI”).  Maryland employers and employees now will begin making contributions to the insurance program on January 1, 2027. … Continue Reading

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

The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and three other federal agencies issued a joint statement vowing to use existing laws to protect employees and the general public from discrimination and bias arising from the use of artificial intelligence (AI).  The agencies joining the EEOC in the April 25, 2023, statement include the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (Division), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  … Continue Reading

Earlier this month, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act” for the purpose of protecting individuals from discrimination and retaliation in employment, housing, education, and public services/accommodations on the basis of an individual’s natural hairstyle. Specifically, the CROWN Act amends the Minnesota Human Rights Act to provide that discrimination against an individual on the basis of “traits associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and hair styles such braids, locs, and twists,” is unlawful. … Continue Reading

In the recent decision in Hexcel Corp. v. Lab Commission, the Utah Court of Appeals affirmed a decision by the Utah Labor Commission that Hexcel was liable for discrimination and/or retaliation when it fired an employee because of his disability and related request for accommodation.

Michael Pickard had worked as a maintenance electrician.… Continue Reading