The US Supreme Court in the case of Vance v. Ball State University issued on June 24, 2013 decided the question of who qualifies as a “supervisor” in a Title VII claim of harassment based on race. The decision has been anxiously awaited because it impacts the standard by which an employer’s liability will be
Harrassment
New Hampshire Federal Court Issues Ruling on Discovery of Internal Investigation File
By Charla Bizios Stevens on
The United States District Court decision issued on February 22, 2013, Walker v. N.H. Administrative Office of the Court (“AOC”), in which it ruled on what portions of an employer’s investigation file should be turned over to the plaintiff. The case was filed by the Administrator of the estate of the former clerk of a…
Massachusetts Workplace Bullying Law
By Andrew P. Botti on
Posted in Harrassment, Massachusetts
“Sticks and stone may break my bones”…but names in the workplace may cost you a fortune! The Proposed Workplace Bullying Law and its Likely Consequences for Massachusetts Employers.
When I was a newly minted attorney a superior once hurled the f-bomb at me because he did not like the answer I was giving to a…
Employer Liability Hinges on Definition of “Supervisor” Under Title VII
By Jennifer Parent on
Employer liability for harassment in the workplace is before the U.S. Supreme Court. On November 26, 2012, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in Vance v. Ball State University. At issue is the scope of the “Supervisor” Liability Rule in discrimination cases under Title VII. This is a long awaited case on who qualifies as…