Despicable Sexual Conduct Not Necessarily Sexual Harassment
The Fifth Circuit reversed a jury verdict last month in a same-sex harassment case that will certainly raise some eyebrows. In EEOC v. Boh Brothers Construction Co., the EEOC brought suit on behalf of Kerry Woods, a male construction worker. Woods was subjected to sexual harassing conduct by a crew superintendent, Charles Wolfe. Wolfe would […]
EPISD Fiasco Linked to Weak Employment Laws
Much has been written regarding the alleged criminal and unethical conduct of various officials with the El Paso Independent School District. Many questions have arisen from this debacle, namely how could high level misconduct continue for so long without someone exposing the wrongdoings sooner? One reason: employees are fearful of retaliation. In fact, it is […]
48th Anniversary of Civil Rights Act
This month, specifically July 2nd, marks the 48th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The most widely known part of this Act is Title VII, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace. It is remarkable to think that not that long ago, a law that simply sought to prohibit discrimination based […]
Texas Supremes Find Another Way to Dismiss Age Discrimination Cases
On June 29, 2012, the Texas Supreme Court held in Mission Consolidated Independent School District v. Garcia that a worker cannot bring an age discrimination claim under Texas law if replaced by an older worker. Garcia, who was 48 years old at the time of her discharge, alleged age discrimination (among other claims). She was […]
Stetchers Can’t Do It, But Your Employer Can
In May, the Federal Trade Commission announced that Sketchers will pay $40 million to settle charges that it deceived customers by asserting that its Shape-up shoes could help people get into shape, lose weight and tone their buttock and legs. While I’m sure that most of the public didn’t really believe a pair of shoes […]