Posted under Career Management, Diversity on May 28th, 2008
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court overwhelmingly ruled that two federal civil rights laws authorize workers to sue when they are subjected to retaliation after complaining about race or age discrimination.
In, CBOCS West, Inc. v. Humphries, the justices, voting 7-2, said a Reconstruction-era law known as Section 1981 bars retaliation against workers who complain of racial bias. The ruling means Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurants must defend against a suit by a former associate manager at one of the company’s.
The justices separately voted 6-3, in Gomez-Perez v. Potter, to allow retaliation claims by federal employees who complain of age discrimination. That decision lets a suit by a postal worker go forward.
We strongly recommend that employers revisit their commitment to building fully inclusive workplace cultures. Companies should evaluate and enhance their anti-discrimination policies, management and employee training programs and monitoring procedures.
We encourage all employees to speak out when they observe discrimination and harassment in the workplace. You should be proactive in learning your rights and responsibilities under company policies, as well as, local, state and federal enforcement laws. If you are a victim of discrimination or retaliation, exercise your rights with the knowledge that Supreme Court has affirmed two more protections available to you.
Posted by Murray A. Mann
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