Features
Statistical Lessons of Ricci v. De Stefano
The first part of this article about the Supreme Court's ruling <i>Ricci v. De Stefano</i> discussed what statisticians really have to say about disparate impact. The conclusion herein addresses the results of, and lessons to be learned from, the <i>Ricci</i> case.
Update on Retaliation Claims
If an employee orally complains to a supervisor about the employer's wage practices, which he believes violate the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA"), has the employee engaged in protected activity that may form the predicate to a claim of retaliation under the FLSA?
Changes to Form I-9: Administrative on Their Face; Substantive in Effect
As of April 3, 2009, employers were required to use the new Form I-9 for employment eligibility verification for new employees and applicable re-hires. The new form is the latest step in what has been an unsystematic effort by the United States government to create and enforce immigration laws in the workplace.
Features
Putting Out the Fire Created by Ricci
The <i>Ricci</i> decision is a reminder for all employers: Employment decisions cannot be made based on race, regardless of whatever good intentions the employer may have. Even though the Court confirmed that employers can take "affirmative efforts to ensure that all groups have a fair opportunity to apply for promotions and to participate in the process by which promotions will be made," the actual decisions cannot be tainted by racial consideration.
The Employee's Perspective
In her dissenting opinion in <i>Ricci v. DeStefano</i>, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg posited that the disparate impact theory has been central to effective enforcement of Title VII for decades. On June 29, 2009, the Court took a step backwards on the path toward fulfilling Title VII's promise of equal opportunity.
Statistical Lessons of Ricci
The Supreme Court's decision in <i>Ricci v. De Stefano</i> has already garnered a great deal of attention from lawyers, political pundits, and Supreme Court watchers. While the statistical issues got almost no attention in the decision from either side, there are important statistical currents in <i>Ricci</i> that are worthy of further attention.
Supreme Court Issues Controversial Decision
Special Issue: In <i>Ricci v. DeStefano</i>, decided on June 29, 2009, the Supreme Court ruled that "race-based action like the City's in this case is impermissible under Title VII unless the employer can demonstrate a strong basis in evidence that, had it not taken the action, it would have been liable under the disparate-impact statute." The article herein, and this entire issue, examines this ruling.
Features
The Curious Case Of Bobby Brown v. F.L. Roberts
In fiscal year 2008, the EEOC received 2,880 complaints of religious discrimination, up from 1,786 complaints received in 1998. In response to the substantial increase in religious discrimination claims, in July 2008 the EEOC revised its Compliance Manual and published Questions and Answers and Best Practices.
Features
Recent Amendments to New York State Law
On Feb. 1, 2009, amendments to certain provisions of New York law went into effect that will have a profound effect on the manner in which New York employers review job applications, especially from applicants who have a record of criminal offenses.
Features
2009 FMLA Regulations
The DOL issued its first major overhaul of the FMLA in November. These final regulations, which became effective Jan. 16, 2009, include provisions addressing military leave entitlements created in early 2008 by the National Defense Authorization Act ("NDAA"). The new regulations also update and clarify employer and employee rights and responsibilities under the FMLA. The following are the key changes and suggested steps employers should take to comply.
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