Continued Legal Discussion Regarding Nikole Hannah-Jones Potential Lawsuit with UNC
Mark: UNC Chapel Hill could be soon facing a federal lawsuit over the controversy surrounding a new hire. Policy watch reports if University trustees didn’t vote to give journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones a permanent professorship by today, they would take legal action. Lena: Less than half an hour ago, UNC confirmed to WRAL News they’re in touch with Hannah-Jones’ lawyers over the matter. WRAL Sarah Krueger joins us live on campus after speaking with an attorney on what route this possible …
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Laura Noble Comments On Nikole Hannah-Jones’ UNC Tenure Fight
WRAL News at 11 PM Est Lena: Thanks Mark, a possible legal battle is brewing over a UNC hiring decision. Lawyers for Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones requested lawmakers hold onto all documents related to her hiring it’s the latest development in the tenure decision debate. WRAL’s Julian Grace joins us live in Chapel Hill with reaction to today’s letter, Julian. Julian: Lena the university was very specific, and a lot of people were constantly constantly talking about …
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Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuit by NYC MTA Transit Worker Results in New Accommodations
Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, workplaces are required to treat pregnant women fairly and offer reasonable accommodations on the job. New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or MTA, learned this lesson through a lawsuit by an employee who miscarried after her accommodation requests were ignored. Though the Plaintiff’s loss was personally devastating, other women working for the MTA may now find themselves protected from the same type of workplace discrimination. Pregnant employee alleges MTA refusal to provide reasonable accommodations According …
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Fair Chance Act Expands Protections for NYC Workers with Criminal Records
For jobseekers with a criminal history, workplace discrimination is a real problem. The ability to gain lawful employment, receive income, and contribute to society is necessary to end the cycle of recidivism. Fortunately, the New York City Council recently expanded protections for local workers with criminal records to reduce unfair discrimination. The New York City Fair Chance Act The New York City Fair Chance Act (FCA) took effect in October 2015. It states that employers cannot: Inquire about a …
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Third Party Workplace Investigation Q&A
Employers are required under the law to conduct a workplace investigation upon receipt of an employee’s workplace complaint, and the findings of this investigation may determine whether that employer is liable for workplace misconduct. Third party investigators can provide a thorough and objective report from a neutral perspective, which is often in the best interest of the employer, as well as a comfort to their employees. Hiring an attorney as your third party investigator can provide confidentiality agreements for involved …
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NY Dept. of Labor Issues New Guidance on Paid COVID-19 Leave
On January 20, 2021, the New York Department of Labor (NYDOL) issued new Guidance for employers regarding the NYS COVID-19 Sick Leave Law enacted in March 2020. With this recent change, employers and employees alike need to be aware of their revised obligations and rights. Employees are eligible to receive up to three rounds of paid COVID-19 leave These scenarios play out in several ways, and there are limitations. Here is a general overview of the DOL’s new Guidance for …
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Understanding Employment Unions in New York
Employment unions exist to help individual employees contend workplace matters without having to go to an attorney. However, there are circumstances in which an employee might require an attorney in tandem or after contacting their union. In today’s Noble Notes audio blog, Lead New York Attorney Cathryn Harris-Marchesi explains the union grievance process, collective bargaining agreements, discrimination claims, and filing deadlines. Termination, failure to promote, unequal pay, or any other workplace matters that conflict with a union’s collective bargaining agreement …
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Biden Issues Executive Order to Prevent Discrimination on Basis of Gender and Sexual Identity
President Joseph Biden, on his first day in office, signed nine executive orders. One of these was Executive Order (EO) 13988, titled Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation. The EO also addresses overlapping areas of discrimination such as where race or disability and sexual orientation are compounding factors for discrimination. What employers are affected by Executive Order 13988? EO 13988 directs all federal agencies to review their programs, policies, regulations, and documents for …
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The New York HERO Act
On April 21, 2021, the New York Health and Essential Rights Act, also known as the NY HERO Act, passed both houses and now awaits the signature of Governor Cuomo to become law. The NY HERO Act aims to provide industry specific health protections to all workers. The Act will require all businesses to follow and adopt COVID-19 protection protocols to protect workers from airborne illnesses or face fines. Employers who fail to adopt a relevant plan will be subject …
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The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Women
Alongside being a partner and lead New York attorney at The Noble Law, Cathryn Harris-Marchesi is an active member and United Nations delegate with the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, which focuses on worldwide issues related to women, children, and gender. After the CSW’s sixty-fifth session (CSW65) at the United Nations in New York, and intense set of high-level discussions lasting two weeks, March 15 through March 26 2021, New York is about to issue …
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