Gender Identity-Based Employment Claims

Join attorney, professor, and consultant Jillian Weiss as she examines the legal framework for gender identity-based employment claims.  

Gender identity-based employment claims comprise a relatively new area of the law of employment discrimination. Starting in the late 1990’s, courts and legislatures have increasingly recognized that discrimination based on transgender identity is inappropriate. Court opinions interpreting sex discrimination and disability statutes have found sources of protection.  Legislatures have included “gender identity or expression” and similar formulations as protected classes. The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that such discrimination is sex discrimination.  

In this program, Ms. Weiss also describes some ethical considerations for those representing transgender clients or defending against their employment discrimination claims. 

Learning Objectives:

I.   Understand transgender identity

II.  Interpret laws protecting gender identity

III. Address ethical considerations for transgender issues