The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, a case with potential impact on anti-discrimination law.
Ames, a straight white woman, claims she was denied promotions and later demoted in favor of less qualified gay coworkers.
She argues the lower court’s dismissal of her lawsuit was unfairly based on her being part of a majority group. Justices showed rare “radical agreement” that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects all people equally, regardless of sexual orientation.
Though Ames may not ultimately win her case, the Court seems poised to overturn the lower court’s rule, which made it harder for majority-group plaintiffs to prove discrimination.
Legal experts believe the decision could expand such claims and increase scrutiny of DEI programs. A ruling is expected by June.
