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In this podcast recorded at our recent Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive® seminar, Tae Phillips (shareholder, Birmingham), Jim Paul (shareholder, St. Louis/Tampa), and Scott Kelly (shareholder, Birmingham) continue their discussion of the EEOC's evolving enforcement priorities—this time addressing religious discrimination, harassment, and accommodations in the workplace. Jim (who is co-chair of the firm's Disability Access Practice Group) examines recent trends, including the rise in religious accommodation requests, the impact of federal executive orders, and the challenges employers face in navigating religious and political overlap in employee requests. The conversation highlights the complexities of accommodating diverse religious beliefs while maintaining compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and fostering a respectful work environment.
Affirmative action and DEI have become lightning rods in today's culture wars, but how much do we really know about where they came from and why they exist? In this episode, Sergio breaks down the long history of systemic racism in America, from slavery and Jim Crow to redlining and modern hiring bias. You'll learn what affirmative action actually is, what DEI really means, and how both have shaped access, opportunity, and fairness for everyone not just a few. This isn't about guilt. It's about awareness. Because when you understand the history, you start to see the patterns. And once you see them, you can't unsee them.1.Intro2. America's Original Construction Project3. The Evolution of Inequality4. Who's Really Getting the Handout?5. Before Affirmative Action, There Was Just...Discrimination6. DEI for Dummies: The Part They Never Told YouSources & References:• Bertrand, M., & Mullainathan, S. (2004). Are Emily and Greg more employable than Lakisha and Jamal? A field experiment on labor market discrimination. National Bureau of Economic Research. https://doi.org/10.3386/w9873• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). EEOC history: 1964–1969. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/history/eeoc-history-1964-1969• National Park Service. (n.d.). Equal Pay Act of 1963. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov/articles/equal-pay-act.htm• Pittsburgh Press Co. v. Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations, 413 U.S. 376 (1973). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsburgh_Press_Co._v._Pittsburgh_Commission_on_Human_Relations• University of Washington. (n.d.). Racial restrictive covenants: Enforcing neighborhood segregation in Seattle. Civil Rights & Labor History Consortium. https://depts.washington.edu/civilr/covenants_report.htm• Jones-Correa, M. (2000). Origins and diffusion of racial restrictive covenants. Political Science Quarterly, 115(4), 541–568. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2657609• Urban Institute. (2023). Addressing the legacies of historical redlining. https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/Addressing%20the%20Legacies%20of%20Historical%20Redlining.pdf• Nardone, A., Casey, J. A., Morello-Frosch, R., Mujahid, M., Balmes, J., & Thakur, N. (2020). Associations between historical residential redlining and current age-adjusted rates of emergency department visits due to asthma across eight cities in California. The Lancet Planetary Health, 4(1), e24–e31. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9901820/• Pager, D., Western, B., & Bonikowski, B. (2009). Discrimination in a low-wage labor market: A field experiment. American Sociological Review, 74(5), 777–799. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2915472/• Corrigan v. Buckley, 271 U.S. 323 (1926). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrigan_v._Buckley• ADA National Network. “Timeline of the Americans with Disabilities Act.” adata.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://adata.org/ada-timeline• Administration for Community Living. “Origins of the ADA.” acl.gov. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://acl.gov/ada/origins-of-the-ada• U.S. Department of Justice. “Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act.” ada.gov. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/• Section508.gov. “IT Accessibility Laws and Policies.” section508.gov. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/• BrownGold. “DEI & A: The Effect of Donald Trump's DEI Executive Order on Accessibility.” browngold.com. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://browngold.com/blog/dei-a-the-effect-of-donald-trumps-dei-executive-order-on-accessibility/• Wikipedia. “Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.” Wikipedia.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architectural_Barriers_Act_of_1968• Michigan State University Libraries. “Advancing Accessibility: A Timeline.” lib.msu.edu. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://lib.msu.edu/exhibits/advancing-accessibility/timeline• Duane Morris LLP. “ADA Considerations for Neurodiversity Hiring Programs.” duanemorris.com. August 3, 2023. https://www.duanemorris.com/articles/ada_considerations_for_neurodiversity_hiring_programs_0803.html• Autism Spectrum News. “Neurodiversity Hiring Programs: A Path to Employment.” autismspectrumnews.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://autismspectrumnews.org/neurodiversity-hiring-programs-a-path-to-employment/Institute for Diversity Certification. “What Does It Mean to Provide Reasonable Workplace Accommodations for Your Neurodiverse Employees?” diversitycertification.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.diversitycertification.org/deia-matters-blog/what-does-it-mean-to-provide-reasonable-workplace-accommodations-for-your-neurodiverse-employeesKatznelson, I. (2005). When affirmative action was white: An untold history of racial inequality in twentieth-century America. W. W. Norton & Company. (See summary: History & Policy).• Onkst, D. H. (1998). “'First a negro… incidentally a veteran': Black World War II veterans and the G.I. Bill of Rights in the Deep South, 1944–1948.” Journal of Social History, 32(3), 517–543.• Blakemore, E. (2019; updated 2025). “How the GI Bill's promise was denied to a million Black WWII veterans.” History.com. https://www.history.com/articles/gi-bill-black-wwii-veterans-benefits.• Heller School, Brandeis University. (2023). “Not all WWII veterans benefited equally from the GI Bill” (impact report). https://heller.brandeis.edu/news/items/releases/2023/impact-report-gi-bill.html.• Perea, J. F. (2014). [Law review article on GI Bill and race]. University of Pittsburgh Law Review (available as PDF).• NBER working paper(s). (2024–2025). “Quantifying Racial Discrimination in the 1944 GI Bill” (authors and links in NBER repository).
In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt sits down with Gary Martoccio, founder of The Martoccio Firm and one of the nation's leading employment law attorneys representing employees in disputes against their employers. With more than $50 million recovered and over 200 Federal cases handled, Gary brings firsthand insights into the legal landscape that every business owner must understand. Together, they discuss the real risks hidden in hiring, firing, and managing people—from wrongful termination and discrimination claims to misclassification and retaliation cases. Gary also shares what smart business owners can do to protect themselves legally, maintain ethical practices, and build workplaces that foster trust, compliance, and productivity. What You'll Learn → The top 3 mistakes that trigger costly employee lawsuits→ How to document workplace issues before they escalate→ The role of the EEOC and what to expect during an investigation→ Steps small business owners can take today to minimize legal exposure→ Why understanding employment law is critical to long-term business success Gary Martoccio is an employment law attorney and the founder of The Martoccio Firm, which exclusively represents employees in legal disputes against their employers. With extensive experience in both State and Federal courts, as well as before the EEOC, Gary has recovered more than $50 million for clients. His mission: to level the playing field and educate both employees and business owners on their rights and responsibilities in today's workplace. Connect with Gary on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join Traci and attorney Bryan Driscoll for this month's Policy Pulse episode covering the latest workplace regulations that demand your attention. Together they break down the DOL's new emergency pay ruling, a shocking discrimination lawsuit, California's pay transparency expansion, and Supreme Court cases that could reshape federal workplace regulation.Spoiler alert: Emergency pay just became part of your overtime calculation headache, and California is done with fake pay ranges.This episode unpacks how the Department of Labor now requires emergency and hazard pay to be included when calculating overtime rates, making your payroll significantly more complex. You'll also hear about the EEOC's lawsuit against a staffing firm that honored male-only hiring requests and why this puts all recruiters on notice. Discover how California's strengthened pay transparency law demands "good faith" ranges that include total comp, not theoretical maximums, plus why the Supreme Court's upcoming term could create wild policy swings for the NLRB and EEOC.What We Cover:– DOL's new emergency pay overtime requirement– The staffing firm's male-only hiring lawsuit– California's "good faith" pay range mandate– Why vendor compliance doesn't absolve employer liability– Supreme Court cases threatening independent agencies– The ERISA fiduciary risks HR overlooksKey Quote: "California now says you can't put in a job description what you could pay an employee. You have to put in the job posting what you will pay the employee." – Bryan DriscollConnect with Bryan Driscoll: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanjohndriscoll/ Connect with Traci here: https://linktr.ee/HRTraci Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
In part one of this podcast series recorded at our recent Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive® seminar, Scott Kelly (shareholder, Birmingham), Tae Phillips (shareholder, Birmingham), and Jim Paul (shareholder, St. Louis/Tampa) discuss the EEOC's new enforcement priorities, with a particular focus on national origin discrimination and the agency's increased emphasis on protecting workers from anti-American bias. Tae (who is co-chair of the firm's Drug Testing Practice Group) and Scott (who chairs the firm's Workforce Analytics and Compliance Practice Group) review recent statements from the EEOC's acting chair, highlight the legal definitions and practical implications of national origin discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and share observations about a rise in related EEOC charges. The conversation also touches on the importance for employers to coordinate labor, employment, and immigration practices in light of these evolving enforcement trends.
Hiring in industrial water is slow, specialized, and expensive to get wrong. In this conversation, executive advisor Randi Fargen explains how a two-question, 5–7 minute Culture Index survey becomes an ongoing management and coaching system—not just a hiring screen—so owners cut turnover risk, speed onboarding, and improve day-to-day communication. From “assessment fatigue” to a usable language Most teams dread long assessments. This survey takes minutes and measures four primary traits—autonomy, sociability, pace/patience, conformity—plus three sub-traits (logic, ingenuity, mental stamina). Leaders get a shared vocabulary for why projects stall, what information different people need, and where the team is over-weighted in “gas” (vision/growth) or “brake” (quality/process). Objective data where interviews fail Resumes can be embellished, references are curated, and interviews are where candidates most modify behavior. The survey provides objective, EEOC-compliant data to align role demands with how a person is wired—a first pass for “right person, right seat,” followed by skills and experience checks. Trace shares a driver-hire example where data prevented a costly misfit and made the interview process smoother and more targeted. Turnover, onboarding load, and the health check Randi highlights research she cites with clients: 66% of employees have accepted roles they knew weren't a fit, and 50% of those left within six months—burning cash and team morale. The fix isn't one-and-done. Teams re-survey every 3–6 months to read dynamic “job behavior” shifts, diagnose disconnects early, and adjust coaching, workload, or process before problems harden. Coaching at scale, not weaponization Culture Index works best when deployed top-down and organization-wide (not just managers). Teams adopt simple practices—e.g., bringing pattern cards to meetings or adding patterns to email signatures—to reduce friction. A guardrail: never “weaponize the dots.” Use the data to maximize strengths and support challenges; never to excuse behavior or limit someone's potential. Industry relevance and next steps Because industrial water roles are niche and ramp time is long, using objective behavioral data helps retain talent you've already invested in. Randi closes with a free team diagnostic offer for companies that want to “test drive” the approach and leave with actionable insights—regardless of whether they proceed further. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 02:01 - Trace Blackmore shares a Legionella Awareness Month recap (most listened yet, high sharing), shout-outs to some guests, note that the CDC recognized Legionella Awareness Month, the origin story from 2020 lockdowns, a call to keep challenging what we “know” 07:52 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 12:51 - Interview with Randi Fargen, Executive Advisor with Culture Index 13:27 - Randi's self-intro: role and how she helps businesses (“right people, right seats”) 17:02 – Hiring Win; interviews get sharper when profiles guide questions 22:13 – Cost of Turnover 33:42 - What's measured: four primary traits (A/B/C/D) + three sub-traits (logic/ingenuity/stamina) 41:06 - Gas vs. brake; turning productive tension into quality control 52:51 - Guardrail: never “weaponize the dots”; use data to support, not to excuse or exclude 01:12:21 - Water You Know with James McDonald Quotes “Fully exploited strengths are a far greater value than marginally improved weaknesses.” “Statistically speaking, 98% of the population has less autonomy than you do.” “The second this is weaponized; the program is dead within your organization.” “This isn't something, it's not a magic wand, it's not a magic bullet… This is a marathon, not a sprint.” Connect with Randi Fargen Phone: 1(303) 242 0346 Email: rfargen@cultureindex.com Website: www.cultureindex.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-fargen/ Guest Resources Mentioned Culture Index Program Randi Fargen (Executive Advisor) Free Team Diagnostic Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older by Michael Greger Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind 446 Leveraging the Culture Index for Business Success with Danielle Scimeca and Conor Parrish Water You Know with James McDonald Question: What is the molar mass of water? 2025 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.
Machinists on strike at Boeing in the St. Louis area have a federally-mediated agreement that will be voted on by members on October 26, the national No Kings march takes place in Madison with labor support, federal workers who have been shut out from work rally outside the Madison-area Social Security office, national flight attendants union leader Sara Nelson has raised the idea of a general strike as the Trump administration runs wild, the Chicago Teachers Union leads the fight against that city's federal invasion, a worker sues the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for not doing its job, and the attack on immigrant workers is beginning to tank the GDP.
Comment on the Show by Sending Mark a Text Message.Your next performance review might be scored by a model you've never met. We dig into how AI is reshaping hiring, promotion, discipline, and workplace surveillance, and we explain what that means for your rights under anti-discrimination and privacy laws. From the promise of efficiency to the reality of bias, we unpack why intent isn't required for liability and how disparate impact applies whether a manager or a machine makes the call.We walk through real examples, including Amazon's abandoned hiring tool that learned to prefer men, and the EEOC's first AI hiring settlement that signaled employers can't outsource accountability to vendors. We also trace the policy whiplash: federal agencies stepping back from guidance, while states and cities step up. New York City's bias audits and applicant notices, Illinois's expanded protections and BIPA enforcement, and California's “No Robobosses” proposals point to a patchwork of rules that matter the moment software touches your resume, your video interview, or your keyboard.Surveillance is expanding too. Keystroke tracking, productivity dashboards, and biometric tools promise insight but raise serious questions about consent, data handling, and monitoring off-duty or in private spaces. We share practical steps: ask if AI is used in decisions about you, request accessible alternatives, document outcomes that don't add up, and remember that retaliation for raising concerns is illegal. The technology may be new, but your core protections are not. Subscribe for more clear guidance on navigating AI at work, share this conversation with a colleague who needs it, and leave a review to help others find the show. If you enjoyed this episode of the Employee Survival Guide please like us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We would really appreciate if you could leave a review of this podcast on your favorite podcast player such as Apple Podcasts. Leaving a review will inform other listeners you found the content on this podcast is important in the area of employment law in the United States. For more information, please contact our employment attorneys at Carey & Associates, P.C. at 203-255-4150, www.capclaw.com.Disclaimer: For educational use only, not intended to be legal advice.
Episode 349: New research shows women's earnings are falling further behind - but the reasons go beyond bias. With return-to-office mandates, childcare costs, and promotion patterns, Phil, Burt, and fan favorite Mikey Mac unpack what's really driving women's declining pay. They'll also share what employers can do right now to close the gap, retain key talent, and build trust through fair compensation strategies. Timestamps: 00:08 – Opening Topic: women earn $0.81 for every dollar men earn. 01:32 – Government Shutdown: how the NLRB and EEOC slowdowns are affecting employers. 02:54 – Special Guest Returns: Compensation expert Mikey Mac joins the show. 04:29 – Lawyer on the Clock: Thrive Inc. case expanding NLRB remedies for unfair labor practices. 08:19 – Federal judge strikes down Biden-era protections under the Affordable Care Act. 11:01 – HR Reminder: Illinois' personnel file access law and why employers must stay compliant. 16:51 – Main Discussion: Phil and Mike dive into the gender pay gap and why it's widening again. 19:01 – Companies offering “return-to-office” pay incentives and how it may worsen pay inequity. 23:08 – Families spend up to 24% of income on daycare, influencing women at work. 26:12 – Should pay be based on competency or tenure? The panel debates what's fair and legal. 33:31 – Payroll tax and fringe benefit updates for 2026 and how to join AAIM's December sessions.
Send us a textWhen an employee's request for Sundays off was approved — then revoked — it led to an EEOC case and a costly lesson in religious accommodation law. Chuck and John unpack how one scheduling change turned into a Title VII violation, what the Groff v. DeJoy decision means for employers, and how HR can avoid retaliation, document undue hardship, and protect the company from legal risk. Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions. Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE! Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you'd like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.
In this episode of Ogletree Deakins' EEOC Exclusive podcast series, Adam Dougherty (shareholder, Dallas), D'Ontae D. Sylvertooth (shareholder, Washington), and Sean Oliveira (associate, St. Louis) discuss the priorities, philosophy, and early actions of the new EEOC leadership, exploring what the Commission's approach (both before and after quorum) means for employers, employees, and ongoing enforcement. The speakers break down how shifts on DEI, religious accommodation, pregnancy-related policies, and systemic enforcement could reshape compliance strategies for employers and litigation risk in the months ahead.
Comment on the Show by Sending Mark a Text Message.When Washington goes dark, your employment case enters a gray zone where agencies stall, courts keep moving, and legal deadlines rarely pause. We unpack the real-world consequences of a federal shutdown on discrimination claims, EEOC investigations, MSPB filings, and federal court practice—then map out the steps that actually protect your rights when the phones go silent.We start with what truly closes and what keeps running. The EEOC pares down to a skeleton crew, investigations and hearings halt, and communication becomes sparse. Federal tribunals like the MSPB automatically extend deadlines by the length of the lapse, but those extensions don't revive expired dates. Federal courts, by contrast, remain open on non-appropriated funds, so filings and schedules usually continue unless a specific judge issues an order. That split reality turns timing into strategy—and makes documentation your lifeline.Drawing lessons from the 2018–2019 shutdown, we explain how backlogs form fast and linger for months, why long lapses push more workers to file directly in federal court, and how judges view “delay versus forgiveness.” Equitable tolling can save a claim when agency doors are locked, but only if you can prove diligent attempts to comply and a genuine barrier to filing. We outline what to save—portal screenshots, certified mail receipts, emails, and submission logs—and when to act. Private-sector workers should assume the 300-day charge deadline and 90-day right-to-sue clock keep running. Federal employees must still contact an EEO counselor within 45 days, even if offices are quiet.Finally, we share the practical playbook we use in our own cases: file through every available channel, verify each attempt, monitor dockets daily, proceed on schedule in PACER unless a judge says otherwise, and build a contemporaneous record of obstacles and efforts. Shutdowns create uncertainty, not immunity. Subscribe, share this episode with someone facing a deadline, and leave a review to help more listeners protect their claims when the government hits pause. If you enjoyed this episode of the Employee Survival Guide please like us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We would really appreciate if you could leave a review of this podcast on your favorite podcast player such as Apple Podcasts. Leaving a review will inform other listeners you found the content on this podcast is important in the area of employment law in the United States. For more information, please contact our employment attorneys at Carey & Associates, P.C. at 203-255-4150, www.capclaw.com.Disclaimer: For educational use only, not intended to be legal advice.
Comment on the Show by Sending Mark a Text Message.The ground just shifted under workplace civil rights. Federal investigators have closed thousands of disparate impact charges, and right-to-sue letters are landing across the country. We walk through what this change really means: the legal theory behind disparate impact, why the EEOC halted these cases, and how the responsibility now moves squarely to workers and their advocates.We unpack the practical steps for bringing a case to court within the tight 90-day window, from identifying the exact policy at issue to gathering applicant flow data, pass rates, and workforce demographics. We talk about the role of expert statisticians, how to show that disparities are not random, and what courts look for when deciding whether a practice is job-related and consistent with business necessity. You'll also hear how to propose less discriminatory alternatives that still meet business needs, which is often decisive in these cases.AI-driven hiring tools loom large in the conversation. We explain how algorithms can encode historical bias, what documentation and validation employers should have, and what records plaintiffs need to request to test for adverse impact. While the EEOC steps back, some state and local agencies remain active, offering parallel options for investigation. The bottom line is urgent but empowering: your rights remain intact, the venue has changed, and preparation is everything. If you received a right-to-sue letter, mark the 90-day deadline, talk to counsel, and start building your evidence now.If you find this helpful, follow the show, share it with a colleague who needs to hear it, and leave a quick review so others can find these updates. Your feedback guides future topics and keeps this resource strong. If you enjoyed this episode of the Employee Survival Guide please like us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We would really appreciate if you could leave a review of this podcast on your favorite podcast player such as Apple Podcasts. Leaving a review will inform other listeners you found the content on this podcast is important in the area of employment law in the United States. For more information, please contact our employment attorneys at Carey & Associates, P.C. at 203-255-4150, www.capclaw.com.Disclaimer: For educational use only, not intended to be legal advice.
2. Heidi August Witnesses the Gaddafi Coup and CIA Restrictions on Marriage Liza Mundy Book: The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA The story moves to Heidi August, a college graduate and political science major hired by the CIA in 1969 as a GS-3 or GS-4 clerk-secretary. On her first posting in Tripoli, Libya, she displayed the necessary characteristic of a spy—the willingness to go out when hearing something dangerous. Heidi was the first American officer to recognize that Muammar Gaddafi was fomenting a coup, catching the male leadership of the station completely flatfooted. She, along with a friend, drove through gunfire to successfully "burn out" the station (opening safes and destroying classified files) using techniques learned only from a training video. Despite this bravery and competence, she remained a clerk. The agency culture at the time (before EEOC laws) explicitly required women serving overseas in a clandestine capacity not to marry or have children; they would be forced to resign if they did.
In this episode of our EEOC Exclusive podcast series, Adam Dougherty (shareholder, Dallas) sits down with D'Ontae Sylvertooth (shareholder, Washington) and Sean Oliveira (associate, St. Louis) to deliver a clear, timely breakdown of what a government shutdown means, why it happens, and how it affects everything from employers to federal workers to everyday services. The speakers unpack the politics and process behind funding standoffs, the real-world consequences for businesses, and what to watch in the days ahead.
We all know that age is a protected class under the EEOC and Title VII, but did you know that age protection includes it's own separate act from Congress? The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 is our topic in this episode — with information and details that are seldom reviewed or discussed. Sharpen your understanding of the definitions and protections provided to the baby-boomers in your organization.
It Gets Late Early: Career Tips for Tech Employees in Midlife and Beyond
What if everything you thought you knew about startup success was wrong? In today's episode of It Gets Late Early, I'm breaking down the myth that young, hoodie-wearing entrepreneurs are the key to successful startups. Spoiler: the data proves otherwise. According to MIT research, the average age of a high-growth startup founder is 42 — not 21. The top 1% of founders are even older, typically around 45 years old. Yet, venture capitalists continue to invest in young, inexperienced founders, ignoring the seasoned leaders with decades of experience.I also tackle the growing age discrimination in tech, where older workers are pushed out despite having the experience and connections that drive success. Companies that embrace diverse ages and experiences in their teams are the ones that succeed. Let's flip the script on startup success. It's time to stop assuming that youth equals innovation. It's never too late to go after your dreams, and age is an asset, not a liability.“So just why is it that older workers tend to be more successful? Two words: life experience.” ~ Maureen Wiley CloughIn This Episode:-Research from MIT: the truth about successful startup founders-The age bias in venture capital and tech hiring-Why older founders have an advantage over younger ones-The challenge to venture capitalists: stop funding failure-Encouraging older tech workers: your experience mattersAnd much more!Resources:-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guide-EEOC Special Report - https://www.eeoc.gov/special-report/high-tech-low-inclusion-diversity-high-tech-workforce-and-sector-2014-2022-MIT Research on Age and High-Growth Entrepreneurship - https://mitsloan.mit.edu/shared/ods/documents?PublicationDocumentID=6212#:~:text=Our%20primary%20finding%20is%20that,growth%20new%20ventures%20is%2045.0.-Ageism in Tech Hiring - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maureenwclough_tech-ageism-hiring-activity-7369769952683171841-u7zS?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAACPAV4BMEaPyyLI0T1Hayp_eLtXH5AO5-4-iPhone unveiling with Steve Jobs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7qPAY9JqE4-Workplace Age Discrimination Cases Grow Nationwide - https://gbsbenefitsgroup.com/workplace-age-discrimination-cases-grow-nationwide/#:~:text=The%20Equal%20Employment%20Opportunity%20Commission%20(EEOC)%20has,Act%20(ADEA)%20as%20in%20fiscal%20year%202022-Late-Career Job Losses Are Blurring What Retirement Looks Like in America -
In this episode, FortneyScott shareholder Leslie Silverman, a former EEOC Vice Chair and Commissioner, joins David to unpack how the Trump Administration and the EEOC are prioritizing religious freedom and accommodation, and what employers need to know to stay compliant in a shifting enforcement landscape.Contact Fortney & Scott: Tweet us at @fortneyscott Follow us on LinkedIn Email us at info@fortneyscott.com Thank you for listening! https://www.fortneyscott.com/
Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! We're breaking down the implications of the October 1st government shutdown with special guest, D.C. insider Jim Plunkett. What does this mean for E-Verify, immigration processes, labor agency operations, and your compliance deadlines? With uncertainty on Capitol Hill, HR leaders can't afford to wait. Tune in for expert guidance, practical solutions, and a few laughs to carry you through the chaos. Timestamps: 0:00 – Show intro: Phil, Burt, and Nick kick things off 3:10 – Guest introduction: Jim Plunkett joins from Washington D.C. 3:42 – Lawyer on the Clock: Burt breaks down an Eighth Circuit case on drug testing and at-will employment 8:16 – Senate confirms key Trump-era appointees at the EEOC, Wage & Hour, and OSHA 11:00 – AI and the future of work: Bernie Sanders' “artificial labor” warning and the 32-hour workweek debate 15:27 – Introducing next week's guest on AI, Katherine Von Jahn 16:15 – Jim Plunkett's update from D.C.: Inside the government shutdown 18:11 – What could force Congress to act—military pay, TSA, and market pressure 20:08 – Key political standoff: healthcare subsidies vs. funding extension 25:43 – The H-1B visa reentry fee controversy and legal challenges 28:04 – Who's still working? USPS, federal workers, and unemployment pay 31:22 – E-Verify shutdown: What employers still must do 32:57 – EEOC dynamics: How the lone Democrat could stall GOP momentum
This week, we're covering the new H-1B visa fee, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC's) closure of disparate impact cases, and recent key labor appointments. New Fee for H-1B Visas Employers must now pay $100,000 for each first-time H-1B petition filed on or after September 21, 2025. Current visa holders are not affected. Exceptions may apply, but details are limited. EEOC Shuts Down Disparate Impact Cases The EEOC has closed nearly all disparate impact cases following a recent executive order. These claims can still be pursued in court. The agency will also dissolve its Office of Enterprise Data and Analytics, although EEO-1 reporting requirements appear unchanged. Key Labor Roles Confirmed The Senate has confirmed Daniel Aronowitz as Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration. Additionally, the Senate has confirmed over 100 other labor-related appointments—including 11 top labor positions—restoring a quorum at both the EEOC and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw407 Download our Wage & Hour Guide for Employers app: https://www.ebglaw.com/wage-hour-guide-for-employers-app. Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
In this episode, Jen unpacks the latest EEOC guidance on telework as a reasonable accommodation for disabilities and religious beliefs—and what it means for California employers.
On The Sal Greco Show episode 133, attorney Eric Sanders is joining us to help break down the chief of department finally set to retire but on a shady 3/4 disability pension as first reported by The Sal Greco Show, and then we will cover the EEOC complaint filed by Eric on behalf of NYPD detective Jaenice Smith who was discriminated against, smeared, bullied, which led to a deputy chief involved in numerous scandals to retire somehow instead of being terminated. All of this, plus any breaking news!Salvatore "Sal" Greco is a Former 14 year New York Police Department (NYPD) veteran, and a Sicilian-American. Being a strict fitness enthusiast, food connoisseur, and cigar aficionado Sal is no stranger to the Good and Evil in our lives. His origin story began with food industry work and a love for how it brought everyone together. Follow Sal:https://twitter.com/TheSalGrecohttps://www.instagram.com/thesalgrecohttps://tiktok.com/TheSalGrecoShowFollow Eric Sanders :Https://twitter.com/esq_sanders
The EEOC just stopped chasing policies that accidentally discriminate—right when AI is about to accidentally discriminate at scale. | Subscribe to "Recruiting Life" newsletter at JimStroud.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send in your questions to hrask.org or leave your questions in the chat! Are today's HR professionals being promoted faster than they're prepared? In this week's episode of This Week at Work, Phil and Burt tackle a pressing question: What does it really take to move from an entry-level HR role to an executive position? With rapid promotions and shrinking knowledge banks, HR leaders must now develop faster and smarter than ever. Tune in for real talk, legal insights, and actionable strategies for climbing the HR ladder with confidence and competence. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to This Week at Work 00:09 – Why HR leaders often feel unprepared 01:42 – Developing your career and leadership readiness 04:09 – Are leaders born or made? 04:58 – Lawyer on the Clock: Government shutdown & workplace impact 07:25 – How the shutdown affects NLRB, EEOC & DOL 13:20 – TSA, travel, and essential functions during the shutdown 19:26 – Boeing negotiations, unions, and leadership lessons 25:01 – Risks of promoting too quickly in HR 29:55 – How emerging HR leaders can prepare for executive roles
Plus the ICE Field Office in Dallas is scheduled to reopen today, Senator John Cornyn says we are reaching a level of unrest not seen in a very long time, the EEOC sues American Airlines with a claim they fired a woman after she developed a disability, and more!
Retaliation claims now top the EEOC's charge list, and California employers are no exception. Why are these claims on the rise, and what everyday employer decisions trigger risk? Jen explains the trends, the traps, and the tools HR needs to prevent retaliation while still enforcing accountability.
In this season 4 kickoff of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz recaps the latest labor and employment law developments employers should be watching this fall—from shifting EEOC enforcement to severance negotiations, leave law updates, and more. Dan also welcomes behind-the-scenes producer Jess Mantzaris to preview Shipman & Goodwin's upcoming Labor & Employment Fall Seminar at Hotel Marcel in New Haven, featuring hot-topic keynotes, breakout sessions on leave laws and wage and hour compliance, and valuable networking opportunities.
Worried your nonprofit's DEI programs might be illegal now? You're not alone — and I can bet you won't be able to find the right answer on social media. In this episode, I'm joined by Megan Fuciarelli from US2 Consulting to dig into what the latest EEOC guidance actually means for nonprofits trying to foster inclusion. Real Listener Question: “My nonprofit has employee resource groups (ERGs) for LGBTQ+, Latinx, Black, and AAPI staff. They're popular, but I heard the EEOC says they might count as discrimination now. Do we need to shut them down, or is there a way to keep them safely?” New EEOC guidance has nonprofits questioning whether DEI work — especially ERGs and affinity groups — puts them at legal risk. Megan and I break down what the rules really say, what's changing, and how nonprofits can protect themselves without abandoning their values. We also dig into the difference between ERGs and affinity groups, what's safe, what's risky, and why “don't panic” should be your new mantra. What You'll Learn: What the new EEOC guidance actually says about workplace DEI initiatives The key legal differences between ERGs and affinity groups How to structure ERGs to stay compliant while fostering inclusion Why shutting everything down out of fear might not be the right move How executive orders, memos, and guidance impact nonprofit policies Why reviewing your internal policies and documents is critical right now How to keep advancing DEI goals while reducing legal risks Bottom line: You don't have to throw out your DEI work just because the rules are shifting. With clarity, intention, and the right structures, your nonprofit can keep doing the work that aligns with your values — and stay compliant. Resources from this Episode Learn more about Megan and US2 Consulting: https://us2consulting.com/ Read the EEOC guidelines: https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-dei-related-discrimination-work and https://www.eeoc.gov/what-do-if-you-experience-discrimination-related-dei-work Previous Episode: Why Record Retention & Data Management Systems Matter for Nonprofits: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct146/ Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CT147_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Megan Fuciarelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganfuciarelli Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
The automotive world still has a discrimination problem, and this episode dives deep into a shocking case that cost two Missouri dealerships $275,000 in settlement fees. When Landmark Dodge Ram and Landmark Chrysler Jeep were caught refusing to hire women for sales positions and men for office roles, the EEOC stepped in with a lawsuit that revealed disturbing practices and attitudes. Former HR employees testified that management claimed "women didn't have the respect necessary" for car sales and that training them was "a waste of time."Beyond this central story, we tackle the automotive recall landscape, including Ford's massive 1.5 million vehicle recall for rearview camera issues affecting models from 2015-2019. Numerous other manufacturers face similar challenges, from improperly sealed windshields to potential vehicle rollaways. The industry is experiencing significant market shifts too – Stellantis has canceled its electric Ram 1500 pickup citing slowing EV demand, while Tesla's once-loyal customer base is eroding as owners defect to legacy brands.Our popular Sold Cars Roundup guessing game delivers surprises with classic vehicles selling for unexpected prices. A 1965 Pontiac Bonneville fetched $21,000, while a 1930 Ford Model A went for just $10,000, and a 1966 Ford F100 commanded an impressive $30,450. Meanwhile, lawmakers are finally addressing the catalytic converter theft epidemic with the PART Act, requiring VINs to be stamped on these valuable components. Whether you're interested in industry ethics, market trends, or simply love classic cars, this episode offers insights that go beyond typical automotive coverage.Ready to hear more automotive insights and entertaining discussions? Join our live show every Saturday morning and follow us on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12noonCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk
Russell Craigwell Consulting owners, Nneka Craigwell and Latisha B. Russell provide a high level overview of DEI in the EEOC. A short breakdown of the differences between the and how to apply them as needed for YOUSupport the showyoutube.com/thetruthnochaserthtruthnochaser.comhttps://www.instagram.com/truth_no_chaser/
Host Jacob M. Monty sits down with Stephanie Van Lue, President and Founder of Activate HR, to discuss navigating complex workplace issues with practical, creative solutions. Their conversation explores key topics such as addressing sexual harassment claims and ensuring proper completion of Form I-9 to maintain compliance with EEOC regulations. This episode delivers actionable insights for employers and HR professionals looking for clear, effective strategies to tackle everyday challenges. Send in Your Own Questions to Jacob: jmonty@montyramirezlaw.com Immigration Compliance Toolkit for Employers: https://montyramirezlaw.com/resources/ Learn More About Activate HR: https://activatehr-us.com/ Watch the Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aZ33SRWq3so
DEI programs are under the microscope. With new DOJ and EEOC guidance, employers are asking: what's allowed, what's risky, and how do we keep inclusion alive while staying compliant? In this episode, Jen breaks down the latest federal developments and offers practical ways to balance culture with compliance.
This week, we're covering four key employer-focused developments: a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit challenging the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB's) authority, another Fifth Circuit decision restoring pregnant worker protections, the White House's reversal of a key non-compete executive order, and a court ruling against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC's) early right-to-sue policy. NLRB Authority in Jeopardy The Fifth Circuit has ruled that the structure of the NLRB is likely unconstitutional, setting the stage for a potential U.S. Supreme Court review. Epstein Becker Green attorney Erin E. Schaefer tells us more. Fifth Circuit Restores Pregnant Worker Protections The Fifth Circuit also upheld the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), reversing a lower court's preliminary injunction. Employers must now ensure reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions under the PWFA. White House Rescinds Non-Compete Order The current administration has reversed President Biden's 2021 executive order on expansive antitrust enforcement, signaling a return to a more traditional approach to competition reviews. Court Strikes Down EEOC Right-to-Sue Policy A federal court has ruled against the EEOC's policy of automatically issuing early right-to-sue notices in discrimination cases, limiting the practice and its impact on claimants. - Download our Wage & Hour Guide for Employers app: https://www.ebglaw.com/wage-hour-guide-for-employers-app. Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw402 Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
In this inaugural episode of our EEOC Exclusive podcast series, Adam Dougherty (shareholder, Dallas) sits down with Jim Paul (shareholder, St. Louis and Tampa), D'Ontae Sylvertooth (shareholder, Washington) and Sean Oliveira (associate, St. Louis) to discuss the intricacies and processes of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The conversation focuses on the impact of the Supreme Court's Loper Bright decision on EEOC regulations following the dismantling of Chevron deference, particularly in relation to the Prichard v. Long Island University case.
Comment on the Show by Sending Mark a Text Message.This episode is part of my initiative to provide access to important court decisions impacting employees in an easy to understand conversational format using AI. The speakers in the episode are AI generated and frankly sound great to listen to. Enjoy!What happens when a workplace harbors shocking racial hostility beneath its surface? Today we're peeling back the layers of a riveting discrimination case that reveals the stark contrast between public corporate images and the reality some employees face behind closed doors.Our investigation centers on a lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against TNT Crane and Rigging in Texas federal court. The allegations are deeply disturbing: Black employees subjected to regular racial slurs from managers, nooses displayed at company facilities, white supremacist symbols affixed to equipment, and swift retaliation against those who dared to speak up. When a white employee reported witnessing these conditions, he allegedly faced vandalism, threats, reduced hours, and ultimately felt forced to resign.Throughout the legal proceedings, TNT Crane and Rigging maintained their innocence, denying all substantive allegations. Yet the case concluded with a $525,000 settlement split among five employees and a court-mandated overhaul of company policies. This resolution—achieved without any admission of guilt—reveals a fascinating dynamic where the sheer weight of allegations and the desire to avoid prolonged litigation can drive significant corporate change.The comprehensive consent decree now requires TNT to implement detailed anti-discrimination policies, establish multiple reporting channels including a direct hotline to HR leadership, conduct mandatory training for all employees, and submit to three years of EEOC oversight. It's a powerful example of how legal pressure can transform workplace culture regardless of whether wrongdoing is ever formally acknowledged.What does it say about our systems of accountability when half a million dollars changes hands while responsibility remains officially unacknowledged? Join us as we explore this question and examine what real justice looks like for employees facing discrimination in today's workplace. Has this case sparked thoughts about your own workplace experiences? We'd love to hear your perspective.EEOC Press Release: August 1, 2025 If you enjoyed this episode of the Employee Survival Guide please like us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We would really appreciate if you could leave a review of this podcast on your favorite podcast player such as Apple Podcasts. Leaving a review will inform other listeners you found the content on this podcast is important in the area of employment law in the United States. For more information, please contact our employment attorneys at Carey & Associates, P.C. at 203-255-4150, www.capclaw.com.Disclaimer: For educational use only, not intended to be legal advice.
Fat pig Pritzker opens his mouth about the Epstein files. PLUS, Jon Riches, VP for Litigation at the Goldwater Institute, tells Shaun how the government is destroying small businesses through the EEOC and how they have been fighting for one small business in California that has been relentlessly attacked since the Obama Administration. Ian Trottier, author of the new (and perfectly timed) book High Stakes Treason: How John Brennan Compromised American Security for Millions, tells Shaun how John Brennan allowed three separate bombings to happen in order to enrich himself and profit off of the misinformation. And our National Anthem: sung by The Beach Boys!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jon Riches, VP for Litigation at the Goldwater Institute, tells Shaun how the government is destroying small businesses through the EEOC and how they have been fighting for one small business in California that has been relentlessly attacked since the Obama Administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management School
Send us a textIn this compelling episode, we dive into the realities—and opportunities—of aging in today's workforce. HR expert Deborah Heiser, Applied Developmental Psychologist and CEO/Founder of The Mentor Project, shares insights on why thriving in later career stages isn't just vital—it's purposeful.
By Adam Turteltaub What you don't know can hurt you. And what you do know can hurt you. Such is the dilemma of background screening. Companies want to know who they are hiring, but, explains Al Firato, CEO & Founder of HireSafe, some information is off limits. The 1964 Civil Rights Act and Title VII prohibit examinations of race, religion, ethnicity and more. In addition, federal and state regulations set limits on what background check firms can look at. That's not always a bad thing, Al points out. A conviction for a criminal offense from decades earlier should not be cause for immediate disqualification, especially if the person has since made amends. In addition, the conviction may not be relevant for the job at hand: a DUI for a prospective delivery driver is a lot different than one for someone who will be working at a desk all day. The EEOC has also made it clear that people are, in most cases, entitled to a second chance. With that said, background checks can be very useful for revealing exaggerated academic and work histories. Many prospective employees take advantage of the fact that, with so many mergers, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to verify previous employment. Listen in to learn more about the do's and don'ts of background screening. Listen now The Compliance Perspectives Podcast is sponsored by Athennian, a leading provider of entity management and governance software. Get started at www.athennian.com.
Congress established the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Its primary purpose is to prevent and address unfair treatment in the workplace, ensuring that employers don't discriminate against individuals based on race, gender, religion, or age in hiring, firing, or promotions. Essentially, the EEOC attempts to create a level playing field in the job market by investigating complaints and enforcing anti-discrimination laws. Yet today's EEOC, led by acting chair Andrea Lucas, is rapidly changing, especially as it enforces—or rather fails to enforce—protections for LGBTQ+ employees. Pride in Exile, a volunteer organization, was created to seek actionable ways we can resist the weaponization of the EEOC as it threatens the hard-earned rights and protections of LGBTQ+ employees. In this exclusive interview, I am honored to host two absolute titans in the fight for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion: Chai Feldblum, a renowned legal scholar, activist, and former Commissioner at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under President Barack Obama, and Judge Karen Ortiz, an administrative law judge at the EEOC's New York District's Office who has bravely challenged the current EEOC's leadership over policies affecting LGBTQ+ cases. Together, we explore: Our Guests' Career Journeys. The guests' journeys to EEOC leadership and the significant advancements in LGBTQ+ workplace protections made over the past two decades. Threats to LGBTQ+ Workplace Protections. An in-depth look at current threats to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and concrete strategies to counter them, including the vital role of the all-volunteer organization, Pride in Exile. Vision for a Belonging Society. A forward-looking discussion on envisioning and building a future of work where belonging is truly inclusive for all, especially the most vulnerable within our LGBTQ+ communities. Our conversation is designed to support people like you—visionary leaders and those on their way to joining us. Want to gain the skills necessary to apply this learning to your work? Join the Belonging Movement today! After you join, you'll receive exclusive access to complimentary workshops, group coaching sessions, and 1:1 somatic coaching offers designed to help you lead with your values and build groups that center team safety, trust, and belonging. Don't just imagine belonging – build it. Join the Belonging Movement here: https://www.rhodesperry.com/subscribe. Support Pride in Exile by becoming a member: https://www.prideinexile.org/
In this episode, Chris and Emmy discuss the recent U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and U.S. Department of Justice guidance on DEI-related discrimination, its implications for employers, and its effect on programs like employee resource groups and DEI trainings. The episode provides practical insights into navigating the complex and evolving legal considerations surrounding DEI practices.
Need workplace justice? Trust a leading voice in employment law who's recovered $50M+ for clients!Gary Martoccio is dedicated to achieving workplace justice for his clients through employment litigation. He focuses on representing employees against employers, ensuring fair work environment for all. With a deep understanding of employment law, Gary is committed to workers rights!Throughout his legal career, Gary Martoccio (Matossio) has focused exclusively on representing employees against employers. Gary has earned a reputation for his commitment to advocating for workers' rights and securing justice for his clients. Gary's practice spans both in State and Federal Court, as well as before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and equivalent State agencies. With a keen understanding of employment law, he navigates complex legal landscapes to ensure that employees receive the representation they deserve. To date, Gary has achieved remarkable success, recovering over $50,000,000 for employees throughout his career. In addition, Gary has achieved successful results for his clients in over 200 Federal lawsuits, all of which he served as lead counsel. Gary's dedication to his clients and his track record of significant recoveries underscores his role as a leading voice in employment law. His commitment to fighting for employees' rights remains the cornerstone of his practice.Martoccio Law GroupWebsite: https://martocciofirm.com/ Need a free case evaluation? +1 (888) 415-7670Social Media:LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/martoccio-law-group/?viewAsMember=true Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/martocciolawgroup Instagram - @employmentlawgaryRemember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services.
In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2025 podcast series, Sherry Talton (shareholder, Houston/Seattle) and Fiona Ong (shareholder, Baltimore) discuss the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) 2024 updated workplace harassment guidance. With the shift in enforcement focus under the new administration, Fiona and Sherry emphasize the importance of staying informed and adapting to the evolving legal landscape. This includes awareness of state and municipal laws that may provide specific protections against harassment, especially regarding sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). They offer practical tips for developing an effective anti-harassment policy, establishing a robust complaint and reporting process, and implementing sound training and investigation protocols.
Shortly after taking office, President Trump reportedly removed two Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) commissioners and the general counsel. While this has effectively left the five-member Commission without a quorum, some legal experts have questioned the limits of presidential power to remove officials from agencies like the EEOC. Now operating under Acting Chair Andrea Lucas, the EEOC has shifted its priorities and taken actions in response to President Trump's executive orders. New priorities include removing gender ideology, protecting women, addressing anti-American bias, and combatting antisemitism in the workplace. The EEOC moved to dismiss several EEOC-initiated claims and lawsuits, alleging discrimination based on gender identity. Acting Chair Lucas sent letters to top law firms requesting information about their DEI-related employment practice.What are the limits of presidential power over agencies such as the EEOC? What would a lack of quorum mean practically for the Commission, employees and employers, as well as the new direction of the EEOC in the Trump Era? In this webinar, employment law experts will address these questions and more.Featuring:Bradford J. Kelley, Shareholder, LittlerRyan H. Nelson, Associate Professor of Law, South Texas College of Law Houston[Moderator] Eric Dreiband, Partner, Jones Day
Dylan Bringuel remembers the exact moment they got hired by the Holiday Inn Express in Jamestown, New York. It was late August 2022, and Bringuel—who uses they/them pronouns—had recently moved across the country and was struggling to find work. Bringuel is transgender and was upfront about their gender identity during the job interview. “ I was like, ‘Just so you're aware, I am transitioning from female to male,'” they remember saying. “And they said, ‘Okay, we respect that. We'll do our best to make sure you fit and you're comfortable here.'”That wasn't the case. Bringuel said that the first day on the job, the housekeeping manager called them an “it” and a “transformer” and said people like Bringuel are “what is wrong with society.”Bringuel reported the harassment to hotel management. Within a day, they were fired. In 2024, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission stepped in to help Bringuel sue the hotel for workplace discrimination.But earlier this year, something unusual happened. The EEOC dropped Bringuel's case, not because their allegations lacked merit, but because of President Donald Trump's executive order on “radical gender ideology.” This week on Reveal, Mother Jones national politics reporter Abby Vesoulis walks through how the anti-DEI movement evolved from a niche legal fight to an all-out culture war—and what that means for the EEOC and the marginalized people it has historically protected. Support Reveal's journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/weekly Connect with us onBluesky, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
In episode 202, Coffey talks with Shannon Norris about a federal court ruling that invalidated portions of the EEOC's 2024 harassment guidance related to sexual orientation and gender identity. They discuss Norther District of Texas Federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk's decision in State of Texas v. EEOC; the narrow scope of the Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County; the EEOC's broad interpretation of the Bostock ruling in its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace; the elimination of courts' deference to agency's opinions under the Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo decision; the distinction between agency guidance and actual law post Loper; practical workplace challenges concerning bathrooms, pronouns, misgendering, and dress codes; the difference between harassment based on biological sex versus sexual orientation or gender identity; why the Texas v. EEOC ruling doesn't change existing anti-harassment law; the importance of maintaining respectful workplaces regardless of legal requirements; and advice for employers to avoid becoming test cases in emerging litigation. Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP202 and include the following topics: State of Texas and The Heritage Foundation v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, et al: Memorandum Opinion and Order EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Federal judge in Texas rules LGBTQ+ people can be discriminated against at work Federal Judge Scraps Biden EEOC's Gender Identity Guidance: Here's What It Means for the Workplace Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest: Shannon Norris has represented a broad range of clients since he began practicing in 1993 in the areas of employment law, business litigation, trade secrets, civil fraud, and employee benefits. During that time, he has represented Fortune 100 companies to small businesses and individuals. Mr. Norris has extensive experience with employment litigation, noncompete agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, and occupational fraud. He is a regular speaker on topics relating to employment law, civil litigation, and human resources. Mr. Norris began his career in 1993 at the law firm of Jones Day, where he was a member of the Labor & Employment Law Section. He formed his own practice in the year 2000. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner and a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Mr. Norris is Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® PEER REVIEW RATINGS™ fall into two categories—legal ability and general ethical standards. Shannon Norris can be reached athttps://www.norrisfirm.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sdnorris/ About Mike Coffey: Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week. Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the constitutional limitations on federal agencies like the EEOC under current law.2. Understand the limitations of State of Texas v. EEOC and continue to prohibit any workplace harassment or disparate treatment based on sex.3. &n...
The Supreme Court does one good thing on immigration, which made Sam Alito BIG MAD. And although the administration has been stymied (for now) in its efforts to rendition detainees out of the country with no notice, the Supreme Court did allow the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans. Then, since we all need a good chuckle, we spend some time pointing and laughing at California's plan to outsource the bar exam to an AI chatbot. And in the patreon bonus, we describe how one of America's worst trial court judges just tried to overrule the Supreme Court. Links: Alito Gets Fragged in Supreme Court Order https://www.lawandchaospod.com/p/alito-gets-fragged-in-scotus-order New York Times, “Emil Bove, Top Justice Dept. Official, Is Considered For Circuit Court Nomination” https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/us/politics/emil-bove-circuit-court-federal-appeals.html?unlocked_article_code=1.IU8.KLV8.yndwN6PJV_HE Noem v. National TPS Alliance et al. [SCOTUS Miscellaneous order] https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/051925zr1_5h26.pdf Washington Post, “Trump Justice Dept. considers removing key check on lawmaker prosecutions” https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/17/trump-justice-department-prosecutions/ State of Texas v. EEOC order (Kacsmaryk) https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txnd.393489/gov.uscourts.txnd.393489.59.0.pdf DOJ OCR Letter Harmeet Dhillon to Brandon Johnson https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1400811/dl?inline Show Links: https://www.lawandchaospod.com/ BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod Threads: @LawAndChaosPod Twitter: @LawAndChaosPod
Friday, March 21st, 2025Today, a judge had ordered Musk and DOGE to get out of the Social Security systems and to uninstall all their software; Judge Boasberg has issued a show cause order in the Alien Enemies Act case; the Trump administration believes they can enter homes without a warrant; Trump has signed the executive order eliminating the Department of Education; a Georgetown researcher has been detained by ICE and a judge has ordered he not be deported pending litigation; the Social Security Administration is now requiring in-person identity checks; a French scientist has been denied entry to the US for negative social media posts about Trump; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Guest: John FugelsangTell Me Everything — John FugelsangThe John Fugelsang PodcastSiriusXM ProgressThank You, Fast Growing TreesGet 15% off your first purchase. FastGrowingTrees.com/dailybeans.Thank You, PiqueGet 20% off on the Radiant Skin Duo, plus a FREE starter kit at Piquelife.com/dailybeans.Stories:Trump signs executive order to dismantle the Education Department | NBC NewsJudge blocks deportation of Georgetown University researcher detained by ICE | CBS NewsFrench scientist denied US entry after phone messages critical of Trump found | US news | The Guardian'Slap in the face': Pro-Trump Republican bemoans closure of local Social Security office | Raw StoryDOGE blocked in court from Social Security systems with Americans' personal information, for now | AP NewsSocial Security Administration to require in-person identity checks for new and existing recipients | AP NewsAdministration's Details on Deportation Flights ‘Woefully Insufficient,' Judge Says - The New York TimesAdministration Officials Believe Order Lets Immigration Agents Enter Homes Without Warrants - The New York TimesGood Trouble:From an anonymous listener, the Trump administration needs your feedback! Andrea Lucas, Trump's acting chair of the equal employment opportunity commission, has asked for help to root out the discrimination of diversity, equity and inclusion festering in America's law firms. The EEOC has established an email where good samaritans can submit information to the EEOC about potentially unlawful DEI practices at law firms: lawfirmDEI@eeoc.gov From The Good NewsSupreme Allied Commander Europeloudoun.gov/5701/Equity-InclusionHRC Los Angeles Dinner - March 22Darrell Issa Empty Chair Town Hall Presented by Indivisible - March 23Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/ Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewroteDana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts