Employment Discrimination

This course examines federal civil rights laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, and disability. The course considers litigation strategy and the sources, theories, and goals of anti-discrimination law. Specific subjects covered include discriminatory refusals to hire and terminations, workplace harassment and the MeToo movement, and employers responsibilities (or lack thereof) to accommodate or address pregnancy and family responsibilities, religious practices, and disabilities. The applicability of current law to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is also addressed. Students are required to complete several pass/fail assignments that provide practice applying the legal concepts discussed. Grades will be based primarily on performance on an in-class open book final exam, but performance on the assignments and in-class discussion may also be taken into consideration.