Law Commons^™

"Polyamory As A Sexual Orientation", Ann E. Tweedy

Ann E. Tweedy

This article examines the possibility of expanding the definition of “sexual orientation” in employment discrimination statutes to include other disfavored sexual preferences, specifically polyamory. It first looks at the fact that the current definition of “sexual orientation” is very narrow, being limited to orientations based on the sex of those to whom one is attracted, and explores some of the conceptual and functional problems with the current definition. Next the article looks at the possibility of adding polyamory to current statutory definitions of sexual orientation, examining whether polyamory is a sufficiently embedded identity to be considered a sexual orientation and …

Ricci V. Destefano And Disparate Treatment: How The Case Makes Title Vii And The Equal Protection Clause Unworkable, Allen R. Kamp

Allen R. Kamp

Abstract

Although early commentators have focused on Ricci’s discussion of disparate impact, I see what Ricci is saying about disparate treatment as being more important.

One can see Ricci as the case in which the Court came down in favor of one of two competing interpretations of the Equal Protection Clause and Title VII. The anti-subordination principle “is most concerned with actions of a majority race to intentionally subjugate members of a minority race . . . it is when government serves to ‘perpetuate . . . the subordinate status of a specially disadvantaged group that the Fourteenth Amendment is …

The Case For Candor - Application Of The Self-Critical Analysis Privilege To Corporate Diversity Documents, Pam Jenoff

Pam Jenoff

The Case For Candor: Application Of The Self-Critical Analysis Privilege To Corporate Diversity Initiatives Pam Jenoff Diversity has become an increasingly important part of American corporate culture in the past several decades, with companies devoting significant resources to the assessment of diversity and the implementation of plans to improve demographics, employee relations and morale. Attempts to undertake these diversity initiatives are greatly limited, however, by concerns over potential legal liability. Counsel, apprehensive that documents and other information regarding diversity issues and corrective measures may subsequently be used as evidence by plaintiffs in discrimination lawsuits, often discourage or veto outright the …

Should Employees Have To Choose Between Enduring Pain And Keeping Their Jobs?, Reka Bala

Reka Bala

For patients in constant pain, medical marijuana is often the only substance that offers complete relief. Yet these individuals and their employers are still at risk of job-related concerns as cannabis legislation consistently neglects employment issues. In a controversial 2008 decision, Ross v. RagingWire Telecommunications, Inc. forced California cannabis patients to cruelly decide between alleviating pain and staying employed. This Note argues that Ross contradicts legislative intent and violates state and federal law, all of which call for broader rights to medical marijuana users. It also recommends changing California law or designing a judicial remedy to better protect patients from …

Should Employees Have To Choose Between Enduring Pain And Keeping Their Jobs?, Reka Bala

Reka Bala

For patients in constant pain, medical marijuana is often the only substance that offers complete relief. Yet these individuals and their employers are still at risk of job-related concerns as cannabis legislation consistently neglects employment issues. In a controversial 2008 decision, Ross v. RagingWire Telecommunications, Inc. forced California cannabis patients to cruelly decide between alleviating pain and staying employed. This Note argues that Ross contradicts legislative intent and violates state and federal law, all of which call for broader rights to medical marijuana users. It also recommends changing California law or designing a judicial remedy to better protect patients from …

Sex Is Not Enough: How Schroer Teaches Us That Transgender Employees Need Explicit Protection From Discrimination, Heron Greenesmith

Heron Greenesmith

In Schroer v. Billington, Judge Robertson of the DC District Court held that transgender employees are protected from discrimination by Title VII's prohibition on discrimination "because of . . . sex." While the decision was a ground breaking one, this article argues that it is not enough to truly protect transgender employees from discrimination. The article advocates that to provide true protection, Congress should pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which provides explicit protection for employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity

Of Dinosaurs And Birds: The Second Circuit’S “Forum Rule” As An Unwarranted Attack On Plaintiffs’ Employment Discrimination Class Action Attorneys’ Fee Petitions, Patrick F. Madden, Shanon J. Carson

Patrick F. Madden

No abstract provided.

The Annoyingly Indeterminate Effects Of Sex Differences, Deborah M. Weiss

Deborah M. Weiss

(Previously circulated as "The Paradox of Statistical Discrimination.")At present, men and women have different distributions of certain aptitudes and personality traits. A growing body of research suggests that some of these differences have some biological basis, although these distribution differences do not always conform neatly to traditional stereotypes, and cultural factors also contribute. A heritable basis for difference, however, has frustratingly indeterminate implications. It suggests that some occupational segregation is not caused by discrimination. At the same time, a statistical aptitude or temperament difference will almost inevitably cause discrimination in professions that make use of that aptitude or temperament. This …