Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

Women are Teachable.jpg

Labor Day is generally considered a time to recognize the social and economic achievements of U.S. workers. And a significant amount of this achievement is due to opportunities presented by removing overt discriminatory barriers to employment.  

But it is also important to realize that many employment-related statutes were passed – in part – to combat

Baseball Bat.jpgA recent employment lawsuit, Ondricko v MGM Grand Detroit, LLC (PDF), for gender and race discrimination, illustrates how an employer can strike out in employment litigation by it’s own inconsistencies in disciplining employees and poor documentation for such discipline.  

Factual Background

Kimberly Ondricko is a white female. At the time she was terminated, she

Muslim Prayers.jpgThis week marked the beginning of Ramadan, which is the Islamic month of fasting. Participating Muslims generally refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Ramadan is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God.

It is also a good reminder for the need to understand restrictions against religious discrimination

Changing Gears.jpgA Flint jury recently awarded $535,000 to a white former employee wrongfully fired after making a racial comment. This verdict also highlights important differences when it comes to reverse discrimination claims under Michigan and federal law.

For background, Mr. Craig Hecht, a former charter school teacher, was fired from Linden Charter for undisputedly telling another employee that