On June 5, 2025, the United States Supreme Court unanimously held that
plaintiffs from majority groups do not face a higher legal standard when alleging
employment discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The
case is called Ames v. Ohio Dept. of Youth Services, which can be found here:
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/23-1039_c0n2.pdf. In this case,
Marlean Ames alleged that the Ohio Department of Youth Services demoted her
and passed her over for a promotion in favor of gay colleagues who were less
qualified. Her supervisor was also gay. Ames had worked for the Department for
more than 15 years and received sterling performance reviews.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the
basis of sex and sexual orientation. Previously, some jurisdictions required
plaintiffs from majority groups, such as white or straight employees, to show more
evidence of discrimination than minority groups; these jurisdiction referred to this
additional evidence as “background circumstances” of discrimination in addition to
the standard elements of a bias claim. The lower courts ruled against Ames for
failing to show such background circumstances
The Supreme Court’s ruling clarifies that Title VII prohibits discrimination
based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin for all individuals equally,
without imposing an additional burden on those in majority groups. At The Law
Offices of Eric A. Boyajian, we are experts in employment law. We regularly
represent employees who are victims of unlawfully discrimination by employers.
If you believe you are a victim of unlawful discrimination by an employer, give us
a call for a free consultation.
