News Notes: Father Awarded $375,000 After Employer Denies Paternity Leave

A federal jury recently awarded $375,000 to a Maryland state trooper who claimed his employer refused to let him take time off to care for his newborn daughter. The award, believed to be the first in a sex discrimination case brought under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, highlights the importance of treating male and female employees alike concerning parental leave. Kevin Knussman claimed his supervisor told him that “unless your wife is in a coma or dead, you can’t be the primary care provider,” and refused his request for a 12-week leave.