Below is a review of the posts (on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter) from the past week. You can check out the full posts by clicking on the links.
In the post on Sunday 10/29/17 we asked: did Trump’s staff break the law by using private email? Or are they just hypocrites? First, the referenced staff members were his son-in-law (and adviser) Jared Kushner, daughter (and adviser) Ivanka Trump, former chief strategist Steve Bannon, former Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, and advisers Stephen Miller and Gary Cohn. The post includes opinions from 7 legal experts in response to the question and what law(s) might be applicable, especially if there are national security implications. The opinions in the post make interesting reading.
TAKEAWAY: Don’t claim someone else did something illegal and then turn around and do it yourself – even if it turns out not to be illegal, you will be a hypocrite. This holds true in the workplace and in politics.
The post on Monday 10/30/17 showed that the Plaza Hotel faces multiple sex harassment charges (and noted it’s not 5-star behavior if true). Six employees have filed suit against the prestigious NY hotel (part of the Fairmont chain) alleging illegal behavior by senior management and male colleagues and that the owners did nothing when they complained. The post talks about the behaviors of which they complain.
TAKEAWAY: If an employee makes a complaint, investigate it – and take action if warranted.
In the post on Tuesday 10/31/17 (and here) we wished you a Happy Halloween and reminded you to follow workplace rules (especially dress codes).
TAKEAWAY: Holidays let employees express themselves, but not to the detriment (or in violation) of company policies.
The post on Wednesday 11/1/17 told us that Blac Chyna sued the Kardashians over slut shaming. Yes it’s relevant to the workplace. The suit claims that the Kardashians intentionally defamed and interfered with contractual relations. Not new in their world. But what is new is that it was in the context of slut-shaming which, as the post explains, could be cognizable under Title VII if in the workplace. Ouch.
TAKEAWAY: Title VII and its prohibitions against discrimination have far-reaching effect and implication – make sure to discuss them with your attorney to be sure you are not at risk.
In the post on Thursday 11/2/17 we learned that courts rule Onionhead is a religion but Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is not. No this isn’t a joke, but something to take seriously because religious discrimination applies to a sincerely-held religious belief (even if not of an organized religion). The post goes over the Onionhead suit brought by the EEOC in 2014 and the suit by an individual (in prison) over the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
TAKEAWAY: Religion can be amusing, but not when it results in charges or suit for discrimination – know your legal obligations.
The post on Friday 11/3/17 confirmed that yes, fathers are entitled to FMLA leave too. Even if the spouse also takes FMLA leave. But the post does tell us the one caveat.
TAKEAWAY: Keep in mind that FMLA coverage is broader than new mothers – know your legal obligations as an employer.
Finally, in the post yesterday 11/4/17 we learned that 21% of the nation lives in a community association. That means a condominium or single-family home community that is governed by an Association – which enforces the Governing Documents consisting of a Declaration, Bylaws and usually Rules or Regulations. All owners are members of the Association and have both the right to enforce the Governing Documents and also the obligation to adhere to them. The statistics in the post, both as to number and value, are staggering – and they will only increase.
TAKEAWAY: If you live in a planned community, make sure you know your legal rights and obligations. If you are on the Board of a planned community, make sure you know what you can and cannot do in that role. Consult an attorney knowledgeable in this area of the law.
York, Pennsylvania 17403