05 Mar Famous Employment Discrimination Cases That Changed the Workplace

What’s the Impact of Employment Discrimination Cases?

Landmark discrimination cases have shaped workplace laws and policies, ensuring more equitable treatment for employees across race, gender, disability, and age. Let’s look at some important ones…

Case 1: Griggs v. Duke Power Co. (1971)

• The Supreme Court ruled that employment practices that disproportionately affect minority groups are discriminatory, even if they seem neutral on the surface. 
• This case set the foundation for what we now call disparate impact discrimination (a type of unintentional discrimination that occurs when a neutral policy or practice negatively affects a protected group).

Case 2: Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson (1986)

• This pivotal case addressed sexual harassment in the workplace. 
• The Court ruled that a hostile work environment created by sexual advances is considered a form of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Case 3: Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins (1989)

• In this case, the Court ruled that gender stereotyping (e.g., a woman being penalized for being “too masculine”) could be grounds for discrimination. 
• This case led to important changes in how gender bias is handled in hiring and promotion practices.

Case 4: Burlington Industries v. Ellerth (1998)

• The Supreme Court held that employers are liable for workplace harassment by employees, even if the harassment did not result in a tangible job action. 
• This ruling emphasized that organizations need to prevent harassment or face consequences.

Case 5: Bostock v. Clayton County (2020)

• In a groundbreaking ruling, the Supreme Court held that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. 
• This decision expanded workplace protections for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

Why These Cases Matter

• These cases didn’t just change individual outcomes – they reshaped entire industries and strengthened protections for employees across the board.
•  From sexual harassment to gender discrimination and 2SLGBTQIA+  rights, the workplace has evolved.

What Can We Learn from These Cases?

• Ongoing legal battles and new cases continue to challenge outdated workplace norms. 
• Employers must stay proactive about fairness, diversity, and inclusion to ensure they comply with evolving laws.

📢 Your Thoughts?

• What’s your take on how these landmark cases have shaped today’s workplace? Have you experienced workplace discrimination, or seen positive changes in your organization? Share your thoughts below! 👇

By Toby Keeler

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity, make sure to order a copy of Elmer Dixon’s powerful memoir DIE STANDING: From Black Panther Revolutionary to Global Diversity Consultant and check out what others have been saying about Elmer and his story.

Check out these other opportunities to see what folks are saying about Elmer and his continued work.

• See Elmer speak at Stories from the Revolutions’ Front Lines at his keynote at TEDxUTulsa
• Listen to Elmer talk on NPR’s The Jefferson Exchange
• Read about Elmer’s story in a piece featured in The Seattle Times
• Listen to Elmer on The Medium