Supreme Court to Hear Case on Alleged 'Reverse Discrimination' Against Straight Woman

Marlean Ames claims she was demoted and denied a promotion in favor of less-qualified gay colleagues, challenging legal standards for workplace discrimination cases.

• Marlean Ames, a former Ohio corrections worker, alleges workplace bias after being demoted and passed over for promotion in favor of gay colleagues in 2019.
• The case, set to be heard by the Supreme Court, challenges the 'background circumstances' requirement for majority-group plaintiffs under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
• Lower courts dismissed Ames's lawsuit, stating she failed to meet the evidence threshold for proving discrimination against majority groups like heterosexuals.
• A ruling in Ames's favor could reshape discrimination law, potentially making it easier for non-minorities to bring forward 'reverse discrimination' claims.
• The case emerges amidst wider debates over diversity policies, with conservative groups backing Ames and civil rights organizations opposing her interpretation of the law.

3 Articles

The Independent SCOTUSblog