Supreme Court likely to back woman’s reverse discrimination claim

Justices at the Supreme Court seemed likely to allow a workplace reverse discrimination case to move forward, in which a straight White woman claims she was denied promotion and demoted because of her heterosexuality.

The woman, Marlean Ames, sued Ohio’s Department of Youth Services under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which bans sex discrimination in the workplace. Ames alleges the promotion she sought and the position she held were given to gay people. However, according to her employer, Ames was demoted due to leadership changes at the agency, and she was difficult to work with.

Lower courts ruled supporting the state agency and dismissed the case. They argued that “majority group” plaintiffs like Ames, who are straight and White, face a higher bar in proving discriminatory circumstances.

However, Supreme Court Justices across the ideological spectrum seemed to agree it is unfair to impose a higher burden to prove discrimination, and she should face the same standard as all genders and sexualities.

If the court’s ruling favors Ames, the case will revert to a lower court for further litigation. The high court will not be ruling that she was discriminated against. 

The SCOTUS ruling could broaden reverse discrimination claims, making it easier for white and male employees to challenge Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies in hiring and promotions.