by Mark Travis | Aug 16, 2025 | Title VII
In a break from the EEOC and other circuits, in Bivens v. Zep, Inc. (6th Cir. No. 24-2109, 08/08/2025) the Sixth Circuit held that an employee must prove intent—not merely negligence—when claiming employer liability for harassment by a customer. Bivens, a salesperson...
by Mark Travis | Jul 27, 2025 | Title VII
In Hayes v. Clariant Plastics & Coatings USA (6th Cir., No. 24-1336, 07/18/2025), the plaintiff was terminated as part of a reduction in force. She sued, alleging age and sex discrimination, and hostile work environment. The district court granted summary judgment...
by Mark Travis | Sep 3, 2024 | Title VII
After a four-day trial and three days of deliberations, a jury in the Eastern District of Tennessee found in favor of the plaintiff Ariel Schlosser, awarding $58,170.00 in back pay incurred subsequent to her resignation. Schlosser was hired as a certified diver for...
by Mark Travis | Sep 1, 2024 | Labor Law, Title VII
In Moore v. Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated (6th Cir., No. 23-3775, 08/22/2024), the plaintiff Moore signed a Second Chance Agreement (SCA) after a positive drug test. Later, due to an insubordination charge, he signed a Last Chance Agreement (LCA) which...
by Mark Travis | Aug 30, 2024 | Title VII
In Sturgill v. American Red Cross (6th Cir., No. 24-1011, 08/21/2024), the employer fired Sturgill for not getting a COVID vaccination, finding that she was medically—but not religiously—opposed to the vaccine. Sturgill sued, alleging a failure to accommodate her...
by Mark Travis | May 23, 2023 | Title VII
In Levine v. DeJoy (6th Cir., No. 22-1388, 04/10/23), Levine sued the United States Postal Service (USPS), alleging discrimination by failing to promote her based on race. The Sixth Circuit reversed the trial court’s summary judgment for the employer. Levine, an...
