Kansas City, Missouri discrimination attorneys and lawyers including Attorney For Workers / Bullman Law Firm created this blog as a source for discrimination, harassment and retaliation news.
Discrimination, harassment and retaliation are very serious matters, and this blog covers news from Kansas City, other Missouri locations, as well as news from across the country.
This is provided as a guide only, and not legal advice.
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Discrimination EEOC Harassment Kansas City Lawsuit
Missouri Preventing Retaliation Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the film industry
Many women in the film industry report being sexually harassed during their careers. The sexual harassment was committed by bosses, co-workers and, in some cases, third parties. The sexual harassment ranges from sexual demands to sexual statements to sexual assault. Some women report they were targets because they were trying to advance their careers, and … Read More →
Sexual harassment in the workplace
Sexual harassment is a big problem across industries. Restaurants and factories are common places for sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is also common across wealth management and insurance businesses, according to the article below. While some men are victims of sexual harassment, most victims are women. This is particularly true when management is all or mostly … Read More →
Congress making sweeping changes to sexual harassment at the Capitol
For years, sexual harassment by those in congress and their staffs have been hidden from taxpayers. Over the last several months, numerous sexual harassment allegations have become public. Because of this, members of congress have been forced to update their outdated sexual harassment policies and procedures at the Capitol. The article linked below contains information … Read More →
Facebook and secret arbitration for sexual harassment
Some large corporations, including Facebook, use secret arbitration to litigate sexual harassment claims, according to the article linked below from the Huffington Post. Instead of having a case in front of a neutral judge in court, arbitration is a private dispute resolution process that often hides from the public the wrongdoing of corporations. Corporations say … Read More →
Human resource tips for stopping sexual harassment
Sexual harassment can and must be prevented. When it happens, sexual harassment must be taken very seriously. The Detroit Free-Press recently published an article on sexual assault and harassment in the “me too” era. The article suggests five categories to reduce sexual harassment including: (1) Take complaints seriously and investigate; (2) Establish an anti-harassment policy; … Read More →
Senator Gillibrand urges Senate to update Capitol Sexual Harassment Policies and Procedures
Senator Gillibrand is leading the charge to update the outdated sexual harassment policies and procedures at the United States Capitol. This effort is in response to the numerous sexual harassment allegations that have recently been made public. For years victims of sexual harassment by members of Congress have felt silenced. Those victims have been forced … Read More →
Why sexual harassment goes unreported, according to employees
According to the article below, 12 percent of workers reported being sexually harassed. Of those sexually harassed, only about 1 in 4 reported the sexual harassment and only about 1 in 2 confronted the sexual harasser. Of those sexually harassed, 60 percent reported being sexually harassed by a peer, 36 percent reported being sexually harassed … Read More →
Sexual harassment and how it affects mental health
In addition to economic and social harm, sexual harassment also harms mental health. According to the article below, sexual harassment victims can suffer anxiety, depression and, in some cases, post-traumatic stress disorder. Sometimes the sexual harassment emotional harms are not immediate. Often victims of sexual harassment try to bury their emotional harm, but that usually … Read More →
Stopping sexual harassment requires more than training
According to a recent New York Times article, training for sexual harassment is not enough to prevent sexual harassment. The article outlines various ways to actually prevent and stop sexual harassment such as: (1) Empower the Bystander; (2) Encourage Civility; (3) Train Seriously and Often; (4) Promote more Women; and (5) Encourage Reporting. The point … Read More →
Surveys on Americans and Race Discrimination
According to a recent study, more than a third of black Americans, and more than a fourth of Hispanic Americans, report being discriminated against. This discrimination occurs at work, in housing and at places of public accommodation (stores, restaurants, etc.). Likewise, many report they have been recently treated unfairly based on their race. These findings … Read More →
Race discrimination continues against black and Hispanic applicants
Hiring discrimination continues against black and Hispanic applicants. The race discrimination against black applicants has not declined in the last twenty-five years, while Hispanic discrimination has only reduced some over that same time period, according to the study. The study linked below reviewed over 54,000 job applications. Since 1990, white applicants have consistently received more … Read More →
Weinstein sexual harassment ripple effect
The CNBC article below lists various men in powerful positions who have been accused of sexual harassment. Various men have been accused of sexual harassment from executives, to highly paid television hosts, to producers and many other jobs. Victim advocates stress that victims hearing how others too were harmed, helps give silent victims the courage … Read More →
Missouri Commission on Human Rights on Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation
Linked below, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights has put together an informative website on workplace discrimination, harassment and retaliation. The website details how discrimination, harassment and retaliation is illegal if based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability or age. The website details various examples of discrimination and retaliation such has in … Read More →
Racial Discrimination: ‘It Hasn’t Stopped’
The article below details an interview with Sgt. Preston Jowers, the oldest surviving member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the United States’ first all-black aviation unit. The excellence of this aviation unit accelerated the efforts to successfully desegregate the U.S. Armed Forces in 1948. While racism still exists, Jowers emphasizes that men and women of new … Read More →
Combating New Forms of Age Discrimination: federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act turns 50
Despite protections under the law, many older workers still find that age is a barrier to obtaining employment. Discrimination by an employer can take on more subtle forms, rather than simply stating they want employees within a certain age range. Terms such as ‘digital native’ are used in job ads may indicate subtle discrimination, as … Read More →
BBC Pay Gap
Recently, documents were made public which showed male BBC TV and radio personalities make more than their female counterparts. The publicly funded broadcast service was forced to publish salary ranges of top paid presenters and actors. While the BBC stated that it has made significant changes in recent years to correct the gender pay gap, … Read More →
Racial Discrimination Lawsuit: Fox News
In addition to sexual harassment lawsuits recently filed against Fox News, this is now a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by 13 former and current employees against the network. The lawsuit alleges the network engaged in systemic racial discrimination; for example, a controller is alleged to have subjected workers to discriminatory language such as ‘Latinos like … Read More →
The Bullman Law Firm Fights for Missouri Workers’ Rights and Protections
Partner Paul Bullman recently testified in favor of protecting worker safety and religious liberties to the Missouri House of Representatives. Corporate lobbyists are pushing legislation that would eliminate personal responsibility for sex predators who harass girls at work. Mr. Bullman testified that personal responsibility is a Missouri value and everyone, especially sex predators, must be … Read More →
Watching Out For Employment Discrimination
Part of combating employment discrimination is making sure that employees know how to recognize discrimination and learn what their rights are. Employment discrimination can take many forms, verbal or physical, some obvious, some subtle. Discriminatory treatment and/or harassment at work may include derogatory comments based on one’s sex, age, or race, or the subjection of … Read More →
2017: Reflecting on Civil Rights
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed in January each year. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights. His activism brought forth other leaders who opposed racial inequality and stood by him throughout the civil rights movement. Photographs in the article below capture the importance of unity and strength … Read More →
Recognizing Discrimination
Research shows the younger generation – millennials– make diversity a priority in the workplace and are more likely to recognize workplace discrimination. Millennials make up more than a third of all employed Americans and claim comfortability with discussing issues such as workplace diversity and inclusion. Diversity has the potential to increase opportunities for all employees, … Read More →
Uncover and End Discrimination
The Pitch, a Kansas City newspaper, published an investigative reporter’s findings upon examination of more than 60 employment lawsuits against the Missouri Department of Corrections. Many of the lawsuits allege sexual harassment. Both current and former employees voiced that it is a ‘demeaning, even dangerous place to work’. More than 15 new cases have been … Read More →
Reflecting on 2016: Employment Law Changes: Overtime, Discrimination
All employers should be aware of the 2016 Fair Labor Standards Act overtime rule changes. Updates to overtime pay was a major change this year. The change to the required minimum salary for employees exempt under the administrative, executive, or professional exemption became effective Dec. 1, 2016. Heading in to 2017, employers should also make … Read More →
Pregnancy Discrimination Continues
Many workers still face discrimination and harassment during pregnancy or when they return to work for their employer. The Missouri Department of Labor shows complaints of pregnancy discrimination are on the rise. This type of employment discrimination is often under-reported and has been shown to occur more often in smaller or local businesses. The article … Read More →
Facebook Hit with Civil Rights Lawsuit
A potential class-action lawsuit has accused Facebook of violating federal civil rights laws by publishing job and housing ads that discriminate against minorities. Their advertising platform allegedly causes discriminatory and illegal housing and employment advertisement to be published. Ad buyers are allegedly about to click a button that allows them to ‘Exclude People’, thus preventing … Read More →
11th Circuit Court of Appeals Dismisses Lawsuit
The article below briefly describes an employment discrimination lawsuit, EEOC vs. Catastrophe Management Solutions, that involved an African American job applicant who wore her hair in dreadlocks and whose job offer was allegedly rescinded because of it. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency that administers and enforces civil rights laws … Read More →
Airbnb Revamps Nondiscrimination Policy
Last month, the Congressional Black Caucus praised Airbnb for addressing complaints of racial discrimination. Numerous potential guests claimed that they had been rejected by some of the rental site’s hosts because of their race. Airbnb announced a renewed anti-discrimination effort that begins November 1st. Efforts the company is making to combat racial prejudice include reducing … Read More →
Bullman Law Firm Gives Back
The Bullman Law Firm recently volunteered to help build a house for Habitat for Humanity. Grant Freeman (featured below) helped dig holes, caulk and clean. Habitat for Humanity is a great volunteer organization helping to rebuild parts of Kansas City. While the volunteers assist, the future home owner also works hard to help build the … Read More →
Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City
The Bullman Law Firm proudly sponsored the annual Association for Women Lawyers’ golf tournament this year. The money raised goes to help women and girls in the community. The organization promotes the equality of women and others within society, and within the legal community in particular. For more information on this organization, follow the link … Read More →
KASCO Employment Discrimination Lawsuit
The U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against a St. Louis, Missouri company, KASCO, LLC, on behalf of an employee allegedly discriminated against based on her religion and national origin. The article below describes the work environment she experienced, as well as the retaliation she allegedly endured when she complained about the … Read More →
Hewlett Packard Lawsuit
Recently, four former HP employees sued their previous employer for age discrimination. The lawsuit alleges their employment was ended due to the company’s discriminatory hiring and firing patterns. Actions an employer takes, such as purposefully selecting and hiring applicants under 40 years of age or letting go workers over the age of 40 at the … Read More →
Confronting Tough Issues in the Workplace
Racism in the workplace and how to prevent discrimination are part of the central issue of racial discrimination in America that is frequently discussed by the public, but are employers taking the right steps to stop racial discrimination on the job? Unfortunately, some companies avoid discussing topics like racial inequality or harassment at work. There … Read More →
Examining Employment in America
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its August employment report at the beginning of September, answering some questions about job growth but also highlighting the steady unemployment rate. The unemployment rate for young workers in their teen years reached a historic high in 2009 and 2010 and remains high in comparison to their … Read More →
Former Workers Sue Spirit AeroSystems
Two dozen workers laid off by their employer Spirit AeroSystems allege the Wichita, Kansas company targeted older workers during workforce reductions in 2013. Many of these employees had costly medical conditions or had family members with costly health problems. The federal class-action lawsuit alleging age discrimination was filed by these former employees and other employees … Read More →
Trial Against District Attorney Postponed
A federal lawsuit filed against Shawnee County District Attorney, Chad Taylor, by two former employees has been rescheduled for January 4th, 2017. The lawsuit, filed in 2012, claims race discrimination and gender discrimination and other factors that led to their wrongful termination from the Taylor’s office. The former employees, both female and both Caucasian, reported … Read More →
Workplace Bullying, Harassment, and Violence: When to Report?
Workers can find themselves in a difficult position when they witness or become aware of other employees exhibiting potentially threatening behavior. This raises questions such as what harassment is, whether to report it, and if so, to whom? Employers have an obligation to employees to prevent harm from happening and to foster a place of … Read More →
EEOC Investigating Google For Age Discrimination
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is investigating a federal lawsuit filed by Cheryl Fillekes, a systems engineer who interviewed with but was not hired by Google when she was 47 years old. Silicon Valley is still in the national spotlight for its lack of racial diversity and gender diversity. Google recently released the breakdown … Read More →
What Is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. The main objective is to avoid the use of federal money to support sex discrimination in education programs and to provide individuals protections against those practices. … Read More →
Fox News Anchor Files Lawsuit
Longtime anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit July 6th alleging sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The lawsuit claims Carlson was terminated after refusing Fox News chairman Roger Ailes’ sexual advances and complaining to him about discriminatory treatment. Ailes is a powerful figure and has been the CEO of Fox News Channel during much … Read More →
Sexual Harassment Training
Many states have enacted legislation requiring sexual harassment training. Sexual harassment training is essential, as it provides employers the opportunity to inform employees about what sexual harassment is, what the company’s policy is when reporting sexual harassment in the workplace, and can help prevent future sexual harassment. The website for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission … Read More →
A Revolution in Parenting
In the last several years, paid parental leave has become an important topic amongst employers and employees. This year, the city of San Francisco and the state of New York revealed plans for gender-neutral paid leave of up to six and twelve weeks. Firms such as Twitter and Etsy created similar policies and Netflix introduced … Read More →
Kansas Wage Discrimination Gains National Attention
A young woman hired at the Pizza Studio in the Legends shopping district, in Kansas City, Kansas, asked her boss why she was not making as much as her male coworker. The two individuals had been hired for the same position, they are the same age and have the same amount of work experience. She … Read More →
Wage Discrimination in Sports
In March 2016, five players on the U.S. Women’s Soccer team filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Part of the claim alleged that members of the women’s team make up to four times less than their male national team counterparts. The U.S. Soccer Federation has asked the EEOC to dismiss the … Read More →
Defining Sexual Harassment
Up until around 1991, what constituted ‘sexual harassment’ was viewed as something an employee had to deal with on the job. 1991’s Civil Rights Act expanded the rights of employees against employers in cases of discrimination and harassment and made these actions illegal. The website for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) describes harassment as … Read More →
Fighting Back Against Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace continues to plague female politicians. The article below, published in New York magazine, focuses on concerns voiced and changes proposed by numerous female French politicians. One major concern is the number of women who complain about sexual harassment and are retaliated against for reporting it. Unfortunately, women (or men) who … Read More →
Judge Rules U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Does Not Have the Right to Strike
The U.S. Women’s soccer team has sought improved conditions and wages, but a federal judge ruled the team does not have the right to strike before the Summer Olympics. The U.S. Soccer Federation warned a strike could have forced the women’s team to withdraw from the Olympic games. In March, five players filed a complaint … Read More →
Dress Code: Employment Policy or Sex Discrimination?
Should men and women follow the same dress code? The article below, published in the Kansas City Star, describes a London temp worker who was a receptionist who was allegedly sent home without pay when she refused to wear heels at work and questioned whether male employees would have to follow this policy too and … Read More →
Missouri Representation
The Missouri Women’s Leadership Coalition is fundraising to add campaign money that supports female candidates they have endorsed. The nonpartisan coalition began 15 years ago with hopes of recruiting women to run for office in rural areas of the state. The first in a series of fundraisers is being held this month in Kansas City. … Read More →
More Leave, Less Turnover
Longer parental leave is an attractive employee benefit. President of Bank of America’s Kansas City market, Gary Jankowitz, is often asked about employee benefits when interviewing applicants. The company’s extension of paid parental leave policy from 12 weeks to 16 weeks went into effect this month. Retaining workers is good for both the employee and … Read More →
Confirmation
This month, the HBO movie Confirmation was released, depicting Kerry Washington as Anita Hill, re-enacting Anita Hill’s sexual harassment claim against Supreme Court Justice Nominee Clarence Thomas. This movie release may renew discussion on sexual harassment in the workplace. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines sexual harassment as ‘unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual … Read More →