Wednesday, January 14, 2015
- EEOC: “Chair’s Message” will be a series of articles by Chair Jenny Yang providing the public with information about the work of the EEOC, including best practices and insights on how to prevent, stop and remedy workplace discrimination, among other information
- EEOC: Title VII suit filed by EEOC on behalf of former Rastafarian delivery driver who refused to remove head covering (a “crown”) while working due to sincere religious belief that he must keep his head covered to prevent his spiritual energy from escaping into the atmosphere
- Eleventh Circuit: In reversing summary judgment, the court held that a federal prisoner who is a Santeria priest presented sufficient evidence of a violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act where his religious beliefs require him to wear a unique set of beads and shells that are infused with the spiritual force Ache (by soaking the beads and shells in animal blood) and to receive them in prison from his goddaughter, a Santeria priestess
- Seventh Circuit: In reversing summary judgment for employer, the court found sufficient evidence that publicly traded company retaliated against former employee for filing EEOC complaint against it by listing her by name in its SEC filing and referring to her complaint as meritless a few months after the EEOC stated its intention to seriously pursue her charge (but 14 months after the EEOC complaint was filed)
- First Circuit: In affirming summary judgment for landlord on Fair Housing Act claim, the court held, in part, that (1) housing authority who administered Section 8 program (who was not named) rather than landlord may have unlawfully denied request for reasonable accommodation for disability to continue Section 8 subsidy in 3-bedroom apartment, and (2) landlord’s alleged adverse actions were apparently motivated by Section 8 status and not disability
- Law Court: Court vacated and remanded Superior Court judgment that placement on sex offender registry did not violate the Bill of Attainder Clause for offenses that were added to the statutory list of covered sex offenses after sentencing
- US District Court ME: The court held that complaint did not plead sufficient medical malpractice claim after disregarding conclusory statements that defendant’s treatment was “negligent and in breach of the applicable standards of care,” “improper,” and “unnecessary”
- HUD: Agency-filed charge alleges landlord violated Fair Housing Act by denying tenant with psychiatric disability’s request to keep an emotional support animal
- MHRC: January 26th Agenda and Consent Agenda published
- Press Herald: Settlement reached in federal suit against Maine in document-shredding case
- Bangor Daily: Former Gouldsboro resident sues multiple agencies, officials over 2007 rape case
