Kindness Is Free—And Frugal: Preventing Harassment at Work
Elon Musk is paving the way for luxurious electric cars and leisurely space travel, but even his companies are behind the times when it comes to addressing hostile work environments.
Tag: Race Discrimination
Immediately Address and Correct Racial Slurs…or Else
Nearly every Montana employer takes discrimination seriously and strives to keep it out of the workplace. But sometimes even the best intentions aren’t enough. A recent case from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) should serve as a stark reminder that the details are critical. If an employee […]
When words used in a disciplinary report suggest implicit bias
by Barbara J. Koenig Implicit bias is an unconscious preference for or an aversion to a person or a group of people. In other words, we may have an attitude toward others or stereotype them without conscious knowledge of what we’re doing. If we act in accordance with our implicit bias, we may be discriminating […]
Americans first: Preference for foreign workers can run afoul of federal laws
by Jacob M. Monty Making good on promises from earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has begun cracking down on what it calls discrimination against U.S. workers who are being passed over in favor of temporary foreign workers. The DOJ recently announced a settlement with Carrillo Farm Labor, LLC, a New Mexico […]
Comments and tweet using variation of ‘n’ word are protected speech
by Michelle Lee Flores Actor and writer Marlon Wayans’ use of the term “nigga,” his comments referring to an actor’s “afro” and comparing him to a black character on Family Guy, and his tweet, including a side-by-side photo comparison of the actor and the Family Guy character, were all protected speech, according to a trial […]
What’s in a name? Bias in the workplace
As Shakespeare wrote, “that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But there is in fact much to a name—a name can convey a sense of identity, culture, and family history. Recently, a series of viral tweets illustrated how much something as simple as a name could affect an […]
Pizza discrimination?! Customer sues Florida Domino’s for employees’ alleged bias
by G. Thomas Harper A pregnant Moroccan Muslim woman has sued a Domino’s Pizza franchisee in Davenport over the quality of pizza and treatment she received from employees of the restaurant. The customer brought suit in state court in Polk County against the franchisee, Michael P. Jarvis, both as an individual and as the owner […]
NASCAR’s racing to defend race discrimination lawsuit—is your company ready?
Earlier this week, news broke that NASCAR is being sued for alleged racial discrimination. NASCAR insists the case has no merit, but only time will tell the outcome. When the rubber meets the road, will your business be ready to defend against a race discrimination lawsuit? Fortunately, there are steps every business can take to […]
Preventing discrimination against Muslim and Middle Eastern workers
by Anna C. Lukeman In the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has warned employers to be proactive and take measures against discrimination aimed at those who are or are perceived to be either Muslim or Middle Eastern. In her statement to address this […]
At the epicenter of life, death, and work: 4 tough questions for employers after Dallas
by Michael P. Maslanka Dallas has been my home for 32 years. Currently, I live and work downtown. The murders of the five Dallas police officers took place just a few blocks from my home. Neighbors in my building heard the firefight as it unfolded. I am a law professor, and three of my students […]