Does your company have a dress code, or an appearance or grooming policy? Many companies do. What exactly is a dress code or appearance/grooming policy, and why is it important? Generally speaking, these policies are a set of standards set by a company to provide its employees guidance about what is and is not appropriate […]
Regardless of What the Supreme Court Rules on Title VII, an Employee CAN Win a Sexual Orientation Discrimination Case…
Many of us are waiting with interest for the US Supreme Court’s decision as to whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act’s prohibition against sex discrimination includes discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. While we’re waiting though, the issue is not on hold. Last month a police sergeant in Missouri won just […]
You CAN Legitimately Beat Discrimination Claims
Lowe’s just won a discrimination case filed by one of its employees. It wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t magic. It wasn’t luck. It wasn’t “just” because the employee didn’t have good enough facts. It’s possible to win — or even avoid–an employment discrimination case. Can you? Yes, if you do your homework. Let’s take a […]
How NOT to Handle an Employee’s Pregnancy
Your employee has just told you she is pregnant. What do you do? Do you: A. Decide it’s time to celebrate, throw a party and buy lots of booties; B. Fire her once she’s five months pregnant. That’s your company’s policy. C. Congratulate her, ask her when she is looking to go out on leave, […]
Sex Discrimination Works Both Ways
We are often inundated with stories about sexual harassment, unequal pay, failure to hire or promote or similar issues. Virtually all of the stories discuss unequal treatment of women–and with good reason. It happens so often. Title VII (and many state laws) however, prohibit employment discrimination based on sex. The law doesn’t limit its protections […]