A recent decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit highlights an important distinction for public employers defending challenges to DEI-related initiatives. That is, opposition to DEI does not automatically establish a viable Title VII claim, but
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DHS Ends ‘Duration of Status’ for International Students, Exchange Visitors, and Media Representatives
The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a sweeping regulatory change that eliminates the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) framework for nonimmigrant visa holders in the F, J, and I classifications. The final rule, announced on July 16, 2026, replaces
Two Recent Court Decisions Shape the Trump Administration’s DEI Executive Orders
Two recent court developments underscore that challenges to the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) are far from over. In one case, a federal court in Washington blocked enforcement of certain grant conditions against a group
Disparate Impact Theory Faces Further Federal Scrutiny
The disparate impact theory of discrimination—under which a facially neutral policy or practice may be challenged based on its effects rather than direct evidence of discriminatory intent—is facing renewed federal scrutiny under the Trump Administration. Three recent actions from the
EEOC Files Rare Discrimination Lawsuit on Behalf of White Male Employee
Consistent with its recently announced National Enforcement Plan to ferret out what the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regards as unlawful DEI activities, on May 5, 2026, the agency filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against The New York Times
Paid Family and Medical Leave is Coming to Maryland: A Guide for Employers
Maryland employers and those with employees in Maryland should begin preparing now for the state’s new paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. With employer and employee contributions beginning in January 2027 and benefits becoming available in 2028, understanding
DOL’s Joint Employer Proposal: What Employers Should Watch Now
On April 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) that would revise the agency’s analysis for assessing joint employer status under three federal wage and hour laws. The proposed
Supreme Court Affirms Presidential Power to Fire Executive Agency Officials At Will
In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court confirmed that independent agency officials who exercise executive power serve at the President’s pleasure and may be removed without cause. In doing so, the Supreme Court overruled a 91-year-old case restricting the
The FTC’s Sweeping Noncompete Ban May Be Gone, But Employers Are Not in the Clear
On April 15, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission announced an enforcement action against one of the nation’s largest pest-control companies, Rollins, Inc., ordering the company to stop enforcing noncompete agreements against more than 18,000 workers nationwide. The FTC simultaneously sent
Employer Beware: New Requirements for Employers with New Hires in Colorado
Employers hiring employees in Colorado beware! You may inadvertently commit a hate crime without even knowing it.
The Colorado legislature ended the 2026 regular session by passing a law that makes it a hate crime for an employer, or that