Black Gay DEI Officer’s Title VII Suit Against University of Toledo Survives Motion to Dismiss Challenging Constructive Discharge and Timeliness

By: Scott D. Wilson Plaintiff, Gross, a physician assistant, faculty member, and DEI Officer, worked at the University of Toledo from October 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024. He alleged that coworkers prevented him from performing his DEI duties because he is African American and/or because he is gay, referring to him as “divisive” and … Continue reading Black Gay DEI Officer’s Title VII Suit Against University of Toledo Survives Motion to Dismiss Challenging Constructive Discharge and Timeliness

NLRB Increases Early-Stage Scrutiny of Unfair Labor Practice Charges Hopefully Reducing Baseless Charges

By: Fred Preis and Philip Giorlando The National Labor Relations Board has implemented a new intake protocol that significantly changes how unfair labor practice charges are processed. The protocol should assist employers who are typically the Charged Party in most NLRB cases. Designed to address severe charge backlogs, the new protocols will delay and potentially … Continue reading NLRB Increases Early-Stage Scrutiny of Unfair Labor Practice Charges Hopefully Reducing Baseless Charges

Immigration Update: Project Firewall

By: Kenneth Nilsson and Rachael Jeanfreau Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor launched “Project Firewall”, an initiative enforced by the Department’s Wage and Hour Division which aims to “safeguard the rights, wages, and job opportunities of highly skilled U.S. workers and maximize compliance with the H-1B visa program.” The H-1B visa program, which employers use … Continue reading Immigration Update: Project Firewall

U.S. Government Pauses Immigrant Visa Issuance for Nationals of 75 Countries

By: Kenneth Nilsson and Rachael Jeanfreau Effective January 21, 2026, the United States government suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for foreign nationals of 75 countries. This suspension affects applicants for immigrant visas, including employment-based and family-based petitions for permanent residency (i.e., “green cards”). Nonimmigrant visas, such as tourist visas, student visas, H-1B visas, and … Continue reading U.S. Government Pauses Immigrant Visa Issuance for Nationals of 75 Countries

Court Finds Working Conditions Not Intolerable in EEOC Case Against Northwest Arkansas Hospitals

By: Scott D. Wilson The EEOC represents Efrin Chavez, a surgical technician who was hired by Northwest Arkansas Hospitals in January 2022 for a position in the Labor and Delivery Unit. The EEOC alleged that the hospital discriminated against Mr. Chavez because of his sex (male) by subjecting him to different terms, conditions, or privileges of … Continue reading Court Finds Working Conditions Not Intolerable in EEOC Case Against Northwest Arkansas Hospitals

What to Expect During an OSHA Investigation After a Workplace Accident

By: Joseph Cefalu When a serious workplace accident occurs, employers may face immediate scrutiny from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For many employers, an OSHA investigation presents unfamiliar procedures and significant financial and legal risk, especially when severe injuries, fatalities or serious hazards are involved. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare … Continue reading What to Expect During an OSHA Investigation After a Workplace Accident

EEOC Signals Increased Focus on Religious Discrimination Cases

By Phillip Giorlando and Fred Preis With a Republican majority restored to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employers should expect a significant uptick in religious discrimination litigation. Acting Chair Andrea Lucas has pledged to advance “broader litigation priorities” emphasizing religious liberty, marking a shift in enforcement focus under the current administration. Key Developments: The … Continue reading EEOC Signals Increased Focus on Religious Discrimination Cases

NLRB Quorum Restored: New Year May Bring New NLRB Decisions

By Philip Giorlando and Fred Preis After operating with only two members for nearly a year, the National Labor Relations Board finally regained its quorum on December 18, 2025, when the Senate confirmed Republicans James Murphy and Scott Mayer as Board members and Crystal Carey as General Counsel. Why This Matters The Board has been … Continue reading NLRB Quorum Restored: New Year May Bring New NLRB Decisions

Weeding Out: Marijuana Reclassification through Trump’s Executive Order

By: Kayla M. Jacob and Rachael Jeanfreau ‘Tis the season for marijuana reclassification. And this time, it is not a drill. On December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing Federal agencies to initiate the administrative process of reclassifying marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act from a Schedule I to a lower … Continue reading Weeding Out: Marijuana Reclassification through Trump’s Executive Order

ICE-y Relations: Employer Update on Operation Catahoula Crunch

By Rachael Jeanfreau and Kenneth Nilsson Since early December of 2025, over 200 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents, including agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have been active throughout southeast Louisiana in “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” a major immigration enforcement action. So far, according to the Department, more … Continue reading ICE-y Relations: Employer Update on Operation Catahoula Crunch