Supreme Court Signals Support for Straight Woman in Reverse Discrimination Case

Justices appear aligned in questioning the legality of higher evidentiary burdens for majority-group plaintiffs under Title VII.

The case, Ohio Department of Youth Services, challenges a Sixth Circuit rule requiring majority-group plaintiffs to meet additional evidentiary standards in discrimination cases.
Marlean Ames, a straight woman, alleges she was denied a promotion and later demoted in favor of less-qualified LGBTQ+ colleagues due to her sexual orientation.
During oral arguments, justices from both ideological wings expressed skepticism about the fairness of applying different standards based on a plaintiff's identity.
The Biden administration and conservative legal groups both support Ames, arguing that Title VII prohibits discrimination against all individuals regardless of majority or minority status.
A ruling is expected by June and could reshape employment discrimination law by eliminating the 'background circumstances' requirement for majority-group plaintiffs.