The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Marlean Ames, an Ohio woman who alleged reverse discrimination based on her sexual orientation, overturning a Sixth Circuit precedent. The Court invalidated a stricter standard of proof for majority-group plaintiffs alleging discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This decision eliminates the requirement for such plaintiffs to demonstrate “background circumstances” of discrimination, impacting similar cases across 20 states and the District of Columbia. The case is remanded for reconsideration under the new, equal standard for all plaintiffs.
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The Supreme Court unanimously reversed a lower court ruling dismissing Marlean Ames’ reverse discrimination lawsuit against her employer, the Ohio Department of Youth Services. The Court found that a stricter evidentiary standard applied to majority-group plaintiffs, requiring proof of “background circumstances,” is inconsistent with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This decision eliminates this heightened burden for reverse discrimination claims in several federal appellate court jurisdictions. The case was remanded for further proceedings, effectively making it easier to pursue such claims in those jurisdictions. Justice Thomas, in a concurring opinion, criticized the discriminatory nature of the “background circumstances” rule.
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The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Marlean Ames, an Ohio woman who alleged reverse discrimination, overturning a precedent that placed a higher burden of proof on majority-group plaintiffs. The Court found the Sixth Circuit’s requirement of demonstrating “background circumstances” to prove discrimination incompatible with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This decision eliminates the disparate treatment of majority-group plaintiffs in discrimination cases across 20 states and the District of Columbia. The case will now be reconsidered by the lower court under the new standard established by the Supreme Court’s ruling.
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John Q. Hosedrinker