Despite the government shutdown, the Supreme Court of the United States is forging ahead with its schedule for the October 2013 term. The fall schedule of arguments carry a number of direct and potential impacts for employers.
Karen Kalzer
Ms. Kalzer practices employment and education law with an emphasis on defending complex litigation for communities of faith, non-profits, schools and private employers.
US Supreme Court Rules on Same Sex Marriages
The rulings from the Supreme Court mean that same sex married couples in Washington will receive the same federal benefits as opposite sex married couples.
White House Issues First Guidelines For Developing Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship
Yesterday the White House issued the first guidelines to assist houses of worship in developing plans to deal with emergency violence situations. The report can be accessed here: FEMA Guidelines. Six federal agencies contributed to the formulation of these guidelines. Although we would like to think violence in our houses of worship is still unthinkable, […]
EEOC Issues Specific ADA Compliance Guidance
Both employers and employees often have questions as to how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) deals with everyday workplace situations. The EEOC recently issued guidelines as to four specific areas of disability that are frequently the subject of inquiry.
Employer Rights and Responsibilities Under New Seattle Ordinance Regarding Criminal Records
The Seattle City Council has unanimously passed Bill 117796 aka Job Assistance Bill regarding employment actions as to persons with criminal records. The Council sent the Bill to the Mayor for approval. Seattle based employers need to understand the impacts and responsibilities under the Bill.
Fifth Circuit Rules in Favor of the EEOC on Lactation
The Fifth Circuit recently ruled in the EEOC’s favor by determining that “lactation” (not necessarily breastfeeding) is a condition of pregnancy, and thus prevents employers from taking adverse action against a female employee because she is lactating. See EEOC v. Houston Funding II LLC, (No. 12-20220).
Supreme Court Watch – First Amendment / Religious Litigation
The US Supreme Court has accepted review of Town of Greece v. Galloway, an Establishment Clause case that will examine the constitutionality of public prayer conducted before a civil Town Meeting.
The Wave of Family Responsibility Discrimination (FRD) Claims Continues to Rise
The wave of Family Responsibility Discrimination (FRD) claims continues to rise. FRD is a descriptive title for lawsuits that allege discrimination against workers who have caregiving responsibilities for children or older family member. While there is no single FRD statute, it refers to the complex web of potential claims under Title VII, FMLA, ADA and other protective statutes.
Supreme Court Watch – Employment / Religion / Education
The US Supreme Court accepted for argument next term the age discrimination case Madigan v. Levin. This case considers the question of whether a plaintiff claiming age discrimination can proceed under section 1983 as an Equal Protection violation, or is restricted to proceeding under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
Employers Required to Use Newly Published I-9 Forms
USCIS announces newly revised I-9 form for employers