06.10.2025A Unanimous Signal: Supreme Court Rejects Extra Hurdles For Reverse Discrimination Claims In Ames v. Ohio Department Of Youth ServicesLast week, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, 605 U.S. ___ (2025). The case addressed whether plaintiffs from majority groups must meet a higher evidentiary standard to bring a discrimination claim under Title VII. The Court said no. It struck down a rule followed by several circuits that made it harder for majority-group plaintiffs to prove their case. For the first time in years, the Court made clear that Title VII claims are subject to the same standard, regardless of the plaintiff’s group identity.
04.04.2025What Employers Need To Know About DEI CertificationsOn January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration signed Executive Order 14173 on “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” (the Executive Order). The Executive Order seeks to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from both government and private sector workplaces.
03.28.2025“Unlawful DEI” Explained (Or Not) By New EEOC GuidanceOn January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration executed Executive Order 14173, entitled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” The Order instructed the federal government to combat “illegal private-sector DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] mandates, programs, and activities.” The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal anti-discrimination laws which make discrimination and harassment based on race, religion, national origin, age, disability, and sex unlawful, which are referred to as protected categories. In furtherance of the Executive Order, on March 19, 2024, the EEOC issued guidance to explain and identify unlawful DEI.
02.05.2025Banks Targeted by Attorney GeneralsOn January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump, through Executive Order, declared affirmative action and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs unlawful in the federal government and also for those employers who enter into contracts with the federal government. As part of his Executive Order, Present Trump required the heads of all federal agencies to “encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI.” He required each federal agency to identify nine civil compliance investigations aimed at publicly traded companies.
10.24.2024FTC Rule On Non-Competes Is Bruised But Not Yet Beaten As FTC Appeals, While NLRB Continues To Challenge Non-CompetesIn April 2024, the FTC issued a Rule declaring invalid most existing non-compete agreements and prohibiting most employers from entering into new non-compete agreements after September 3, 2024, with few exceptions. Three lawsuits were filed challenging the FTC Rule - - two in Texas and one in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia lawsuit resulted in the court’s denying a motion to stay enforcement of the Rule on July 23, 2024. Judge Hodge then set a deadline of September 20, 2024 for the plaintiff, ATS Tree Service, to file a motion for summary judgment, a deadline that was extended twice. On October 4, ATS withdrew its Complaint, thereby ending this challenge and any right to appeal.
10.22.2024Brigette Eagan to Present “Employee Handbook Do’s and Don’ts” Webinar for NJICLEGenova Burns Partner Brigette N. Eagan, Esq. to present “Employee Handbook Do’s and Don’ts” for the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education on October 30th. Join Ms. Eagan for a seminar helping employers learn how to draft an effective employee handbook, learn what the courts have said on pertinent issues and get practical tips on avoiding liability.
07.17.2024Brigette Eagan To Present On NJBIZ Artificial Intelligence Panel Genova Burns Partner Brigette N. Eagan, Esq. will be participating on a NJBIZ Artificial Intelligence panel which will take place virtually on July 23rd from 1 - 2:30 pm. This panel discussion promises to be an enlightening conversation on leveraging AI to drive business success. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry leaders on how AI can transform your business.
08.29.2023The ABC’S Of The EEOC’S Proposed Regulations On Pregnancy: Accommodations In The WorkplaceEffective July 27, 2023, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires employers with 15 or more employees, to accommodate pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications in the workplace. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is the federal agency charged with enforcing the PWFA, recently issued proposed regulations clarifying employer obligations and employee rights under the PWFA. The PWFA requires employers to provide qualified employees and applicants with known limitations relating to pregnancy, childbirth or related mediation conditions with reasonable workplace accommodations, unless the accommodation causes an undue hardship. The key terms, underlined for clarity, are explained herein.
08.14.2023After the Injury: NJ District Court Reiterates Indefinite Light Duty & Unpaid Leave is Not a Reasonable AccommodationOn July 12, 2023, in Wraith v. Wayfair, Inc., the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey granted summary judgment in favor of an employer, dismissing a former employee’s claim of disability discrimination and failure to accommodate in violation of the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act (WCA), the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and the New Jersey Paid Sick Leave Law (PSLL) following an on-the-job injury. The District Court found that the employer did not have a duty to accommodate an indefinite light duty or indefinite leave under the law where the only information provided was a physician note indicating the employee could not return to work.
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