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.
Read More
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.
Read More
A Sixth Circuit Court ruling, heavily influenced by the recent Loper Bright Supreme Court decision, blocked the Biden FCC’s attempt to reinstate net neutrality rules. This decision, echoing telecom lobbyist arguments, effectively eliminates significant federal consumer protection for broadband services. The ruling diminishes the FCC’s authority, leveraging a claim of “heavy-handed regulation” despite the modest nature of the rules and their broad public support. This outcome reflects a broader corporate strategy to dismantle federal oversight and leaves states to grapple with creating and enforcing their own consumer protections.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker