US Supreme Court Lowers Evidentiary Standard for Majority-Group Discrimination Claims

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services that majority-group plaintiffs, such as white or heterosexual employees, cannot be held to a higher evidentiary standard than minority plaintiffs in Title VII discrimination cases, striking down the 'background circumstances' rule applied in several circuits. This decision is expected to lead to an increase in "reverse discrimination" lawsuits and coincides with the Trump administration's efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that favor minority groups. Employers are advised to review their hiring, promotion, and workplace policies to ensure compliance and uniform application without assumptions about protected class status. Separately, the Supreme Court faced a challenge to its ruling requiring new law graduates to have three years of legal practice before judicial service exams, with critics arguing it violates constitutional equality and opportunity rights. Additionally, the Court eased the standard for students with disabilities to sue schools for damages under disability civil rights law, emphasizing that no intent to discriminate is required, though some conservative justices expressed caution about the existing standards. These developments highlight ongoing Supreme Court engagement with civil rights issues in employment, education, and legal professional access.