New York City has adopted an amendment to its Human Rights Law aimed at eradicating discrimination based on height or weight. The legislation applies to employers, housing providers, and operators of public accommodations in the city. In the words of Mayor Eric Adams: “It shouldn’t matter how tall you are or how much you weigh when you’re looking for a job, are out on the town, or trying to rent an apartment."
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New York City Amends Its Anti-Discrimination Law to Combat Height and Weight Discrimination Posted on: June 06, 2023 In: Labor & Employment
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A CROWNing Achievement for Massachusetts Posted on: November 01, 2022 In: Labor & Employment
On the heels of other jurisdictions that have enacted similar legislation over the past few years, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed the CROWN Act into law on July 26, 2022, making Massachusetts the 18th state to enact such protections. The Massachusetts CROWN Act went into effect on October 24, 2022.
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Three Key Employment Law Considerations for Film Studios and Production Companies Posted on: September 27, 2022 In: Labor & Employment
Employment law compliance continues to be an active risk mitigation area for film production companies and producers on film projects. This post covers three important considerations to help limit exposure before the cameras start rolling.
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Pennsylvania Federal Court Dismisses Religious Discrimination Class Action Challenge to Healthcare Employer’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine, Testing Requirements Posted on: September 22, 2022 In: Labor & Employment
On August 26, 2022, a putative class action brought on behalf of over 100 employees of a healthcare clinic, challenging the clinic’s policy requiring that its employees either receive COVID-19 vaccines or be tested twice weekly for the virus, was dismissed by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The court rejected the claim that the employer’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements constituted religious discrimination.
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Federal Appellate Court Extends ADA Employment, Public Accommodations, and Transportation Protections to Transgender People Posted on: August 30, 2022 In: Labor & Employment
On August 16, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit – one of the nation’s historically conservative jurisdictions – became the first federal appellate court to extend Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protections to transgender people, declaring that gender dysphoria can qualify as a disability under the ADA, reviving a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by a transgender woman over a Virginia detention center’s decision to place her in men’s housing.
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New Posters Required to Be Displayed by New Jersey Employers Posted on: August 29, 2022 In: Labor & Employment
On the heels of the adoption by the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) of a new “Know Your Civil Rights” campaign, the DCR has issued new and updated rules and regulations to raise public awareness about civil rights under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and Family Leave Act (FLA). The new regulations, which took effect on August 1, 2022, update the DCR’s requirements for the posters that covered entities are required to conspicuously display.
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New Jersey Adds Age Discrimination Protections for Workers Aged 70 and Older Posted on: November 17, 2021 In: Labor & Employment
On October 5, 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law legislation that provides new protections for persons aged 70 and older under the umbrella of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). The new law is designed to enable older workers to “retire by their own volition” and protect their financial independence. The law is effective immediately.
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Charlotte Enacts Non-Discrimination Ordinance: A Growing Trend Among Local Governments Posted on: August 27, 2021 In: Labor & Employment
Throughout the country, employers are being confronted with layers of laws that will likely further complicate the already complex task of managing a business. For example, on August 9, 2021, the Charlotte City Council amended its non-discrimination ordinance (NDO) to include broader anti-discrimination protections for individuals designated as “Protected Classes” by the city. The NDO created a new provision in the Charlotte City Code prohibiting employment discrimination by private employers.
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I’ll See You in (Oregon) Court!: Oregon Court of Appeals Rules Employees Protected in Seeking Legal Advice About Employment Posted on: May 28, 2021 In: Labor & Employment
Rohrer v. Oswego Cove, LLC is the latest case to address whether a common law wrongful discharge claim is preempted by statute. The issue in the case was whether the action alleged by the plaintiff – seeking out legal advice about her employment – fell within the scope of any statute.
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Dear Employers, Read This to Avoid a Hairy Situation: Hairstyles Protected Under Colorado Anti-Discrimination Laws Posted on: March 23, 2021 In: Labor & Employment
Employers in the Centennial State should take note that Colorado has joined a growing list of states in enacting the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2020,” also known as the “CROWN Act of 2020.” Under Colorado’s CROWN Act, employers may be held liable for racial discrimination based on an employee’s hair texture, hair type, or a protective hairstyle commonly or historically associated with race.
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The Equality Act: What Does It Mean For Employers? Posted on: March 19, 2021 In: Labor & Employment
On February 25, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act (H.R. 5), which expands civil rights for LGBTQ individuals on a federal level. The bill now heads to the Senate, where a vote is anticipated in the near future. So, what exactly is the Equality Act, and what does it mean for employers? This post discusses the highlights of this projected new law.
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It’s Official: EEOC Adopts New Rule Updating Conciliation Procedures Posted on: March 03, 2021 In: Labor & Employment
In welcome news for employers, on January 11, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) adopted its final rule updating its conciliation procedures for the first time in more than 40 years. The rule is designed to ensure transparency, consistency, and fairness in the conciliation process between employers and the EEOC. Best of all, the process is informal and confidential, and can help employers to improve the workplace and address specific grievances with less risk of litigation.
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