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EEOC Initiates Claims Process in Columbia University Antisemitism Settlement

EEOC Initiates Claims Process in Columbia University Antisemitism Settlement

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has launched a claims process for current and former employees of Columbia University who experienced harassment due to their Jewish faith, Israeli national origin, or for objecting to such harassment. This follows a $21 million settlement, the largest EEOC public settlement for antisemitism, announced after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The settlement is part of a broader agreement with the Trump administration, which restored $400 million in federal grants to Columbia. The EEOC has set up a website for claims, with a deadline of June 2, 2026, for submissions.
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Department of Justice Updates Civil Rights Regulations to Eliminate Disparate-Impact Liability

Department of Justice Updates Civil Rights Regulations to Eliminate Disparate-Impact Liability

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a final rule updating its regulations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This new rule eliminates disparate-impact liability, which previously allowed for legal challenges based on statistical disparities rather than intentional discrimination. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that the change aligns the Department's regulations with the constitutional principle of equal treatment under the law. The rule aims to reduce confusion and compliance burdens for entities receiving federal financial assistance by focusing on actual discriminatory practices rather than statistical outcomes.
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Justice Department Updates Rule to Eliminate Disparate-Impact Liability in Civil Rights Enforcement

Justice Department Updates Rule to Eliminate Disparate-Impact Liability in Civil Rights Enforcement

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a final rule updating its regulations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, eliminating disparate-impact liability. This change aims to ensure that federal civil rights laws are based on the principle of equal treatment under the law. The previous disparate-impact regulations allowed for liability based on statistical outcomes rather than intentional discrimination, leading to confusion and costly compliance for recipients of federal funding. The new rule aligns the Department's regulations with the Constitution, requiring proof of actual discrimination for enforcement.
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Aryna Sabalenka Criticizes Inclusion of Transgender Athletes in Women's Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka Criticizes Inclusion of Transgender Athletes in Women's Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka Criticizes Inclusion of Transgender Athletes in Women's Tennis
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UK Government Plans to Remove Cap on Unfair Dismissal Compensation

UK Government Plans to Remove Cap on Unfair Dismissal Compensation

The UK government has announced plans to remove the cap on compensation for unfair dismissal claims, making it unlimited. This change is part of the Employment Rights Bill, which also proposes reducing the qualifying period for claiming unfair dismissal from two years to six months. The removal of the cap means that compensation could potentially be higher, especially for senior employees or those nearing retirement. The change is expected to take effect from January 1, 2027, pending parliamentary approval. This move aims to align unfair dismissal compensation with that for discrimination and whistleblowing claims.
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UK ICO Seeks Clarity on Facial Recognition Bias in Police Use

UK ICO Seeks Clarity on Facial Recognition Bias in Police Use

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has requested urgent clarification from the Home Office following a report revealing racial bias in police use of retrospective facial recognition (RFR) technology. The National Physical Laboratory's report found higher false positive rates for Asian and black subjects compared to white subjects. The Home Office is taking steps to address these biases, including acquiring a new algorithm. The ICO emphasizes the importance of public confidence in technology use and the need for transparency to prevent discrimination.
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US Justice Department sues Virginia school board over transgender use of locker rooms

US Justice Department sues Virginia school board over transgender use of locker rooms

By Brad Brooks Dec 8 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice said on Monday it had sued a Virginia county's school board for allowing a biologically female student access to the boy's locker room and then punishing the boys for complaining.
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Humberside Police Warns Parents: Illegally Ridden E-Scooters to be Crushed

Humberside Police Warns Parents: Illegally Ridden E-Scooters to be Crushed

Humberside Police have issued a warning to parents that e-scooters and some e-bikes purchased for children this Christmas will be crushed if ridden illegally. Over the past year, the police have seized 250 e-scooters and 81 e-bikes. It is illegal to ride privately owned electric scooters in public places, including roads and pavements, while electric bikes must not exceed speeds of 15.5mph and can only be ridden by individuals aged 14 and above. PC Susan Scott emphasized the dangers, noting that these devices are often sold as toys but can reach speeds too fast for children to handle, leading to serious injuries. The police have observed an increase in serious collisions involving these vehicles, with some modified versions capable of reaching speeds up to 60mph. Nationally, there were 1,312 collisions involving e-scooters in 2024, resulting in 1,390 casualties and six fatalities.
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HR Leaders Urged to Proactively Support Menopause in the Workplace

HR Leaders Urged to Proactively Support Menopause in the Workplace

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has clarified that persistent menopause symptoms may qualify as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, prompting HR leaders to address menopause support in the workplace. With employment tribunal claims related to menopause tripling in recent years, organizations face legal and cultural imperatives to provide adequate support. Menopause symptoms can significantly impact work, leading to absenteeism and job loss among affected employees. HR leaders are encouraged to implement comprehensive policies, training, and cultural initiatives to support employees experiencing menopause symptoms. This includes tailored adjustments, empathetic communication, and incorporating menopause awareness into diversity and inclusion training.
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Passengers in boxing champion Terence Crawford's vehicle allege rights violated during traffic stop

Passengers in boxing champion Terence Crawford's vehicle allege rights violated during traffic stop

The head of security for world boxing champion Terence Crawford and two other people filed a federal lawsuit against Omaha’s police chief and more than a dozen officers for their conduct during a September traffic stop
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ICEBlock Developer Sues U.S. Government Over App Store Removal by DOJ

ICEBlock Developer Sues U.S. Government Over App Store Removal by DOJ

Joshua Aaron, the developer of ICEBlock, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging that the Department of Justice (DOJ) pressured Apple to remove his app from its store, violating his free speech rights. The app, which tracks sightings of ICE agents, was removed in October after the DOJ's intervention. Aaron claims that the removal was a result of the government's coercion, infringing on First Amendment rights. The app was initially launched in response to the Trump administration's immigration policies and had gained significant user traction before its removal.
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John Corkery, Chicago Attorney and Performer, Passes Away at 82

John Corkery, Chicago Attorney and Performer, Passes Away at 82

John Corkery, a prominent Chicago attorney known for his legal expertise and theatrical flair, has died at the age of 82. Corkery, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2019, passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago on Thanksgiving morning. He was a respected figure in the legal community, having served as dean and later dean emeritus of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Beyond his legal career, Corkery was celebrated for his performances in the Chicago Bar Association’s annual 'Christmas Spirits' show, where he showcased his wit and creativity through parodies of pop songs and Broadway musicals. His contributions to the legal and cultural landscape of Chicago were significant, and he was admired for his ability to blend humor with serious legal discourse.