Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Senate Bill (SB) 266, officially prohibiting the state’s public colleges and universities from spending state or federal money on programs or campus activities that advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The legislation aims to replace “niche subjects” like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and
Archives for May 16, 2023
ESG: Promoting Racial Equity
As more corporate shareholders demand that companies assess their progress in environmental, social, and governance areas, businesses are considering the proactive step of performing a racial equity audit. These audits help to create accountability for values-based outcomes.
EEOC Continues to Allow Certain COVID-19 Protocols in Its Latest Revised COVID-19 Guidance
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated its COVID-19 technical assistance, What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws, in response to the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration, appearing to give employers permission to continue many of their COVID-19 practices and protocols.
New Executive Order Relieves Federal Contractors From Safer Federal Workforce Requirements
As anticipated, President Joe Biden has rescinded the COVID-19 safety requirements for federal contractors in connection with the declared end of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the World Health Organization determination that COVID-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
No Written Policy, No Email Monitoring Allowed in California
In March, the Second District Court of Appeal published Militello v. VFarm 1509. In that case, former business partners waged litigation against each other
EEOC Revises its COVID-19 Guidance, Again
On May 15, 2023, in response to the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration, the EEOC updated its COVID-19 technical assistance: “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws”. This guidance has now been updated roughly a dozen times since
Maryland Modifies, Delays Implementation of Its Paid Leave Program
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed an amendment (Senate Bill 828) modifying the 2022 law that established the state’s paid leave system, the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program.
The Time to Care Act establishes an insurance-like program for paid leave. Employees and employers will contribute to a shared fund,
U.S. Department of Transportation Allows Oral Fluid Drug Testing
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published new regulations in the Federal Register on May 2, 2023 that will allow covered employers to use oral fluid testing for drugs. While the new rules technically become effective on June 1, 2023, employers may not conduct oral fluid testing until the U.S.
Nonimmigrant Visas Fees at Consulates to Increase May 30, 2023
On May 30, 2023, fees for nonimmigrant visas at all consulates abroad will increase. The increase can be avoided if the visa fee is paid on or after October 1, 2022, and before May 30, 2023, and an interview is scheduled within 365 days of payment. The interview need not
What Does the End of Title 42 and I-9 Flexibility Mean for Employers?
U.S. immigration policy and the Biden administration’s response to the ongoing migration crisis have been hot topics in the news. We break down potential considerations for employers as the pandemic-era immigration policy ends and border crossings from individuals without documentation in search of asylum are expected to rise sharply.
BlackRock Pushes Employees Back to Office Four Days a Week
BlackRock Inc. is calling employees back to offices at least four days a week, telling staff that the firm has found benefits from working together in person after the pandemic.
Why workers may never be satisfied with their pay
Even when compensation climbs, it may simply be human nature to want to make more and more.
Expert: Supreme Court could force co-workers to bear cost of accommodating religious employees
Ruling could have the effect of elevating the rights of religious workers at the expense of co-workers
Federal Court Grants Provisional Approval of $2 Million in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Alabama Sheriff
The Justice Department announced today that the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama has provisionally approved its $2 million settlement agreement with the Sheriff of Mobile County, Alabama.
Op/Ed: Brownsburg teacher lost his job due to SCOTUS’ flawed interpretation of Title VII
In 1977, the Supreme Court introduced a flawed standard for Title VII, the civil rights law that governs employee and employer relations.