Pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment and assault



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Minnesota Department of Human Rights
Civil Rights Newsletter

Two Workplace Discrimination Cases?

Last week, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) announced a settlement agreement in a pregnancy discrimination case and a lawsuit in a workplace sexual harassment and assault case.

*Why They?re Important:?*These cases demonstrate the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming workplace cultures by having strong anti-discrimination policies, enforcing those policies, and training on those policies.

*In This Newsletter:?*Learn more about the cases, the new pay history law that went into effect on January 1, and open investigator positions.?

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Pet Store Fired Employee One Hour After Learning She Was Pregnant?

Pet Ranch hired Hannah Grell on the spot, gave her a uniform, and assigned her shifts -- and then fired her one hour after learning that she was pregnant. This was blatant pregnancy discrimination.?

Quote from Hannah Grell

Our settlement agreement requires Pet Ranch?to take action to prevent future unlawful discrimination.?This includes creating and enforcing anti-discrimination policies and training employees on how to create inclusive workplaces.

The agreement also requires Pet Ranch to pay Hannah Grell approximately $22,000.?

In the News

* *State announces settlement over firing of pregnant employee (KARE 11)?* [ [link removed] ]
* *MN Department of Human Rights settles 2nd pregnancy discrimination in less than 2 months (KSTP)* [ [link removed] ]
* *Blaine pet store fired woman after learning she was pregnant (Star Tribune)* [ [link removed] ]

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Printing Company Failed to Stop a Supervisor from Sexually Harassing Two Employees

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights sued Sheridan, formerly Bang Printing, for failing to meaningfully stop a supervisor from using his position of power to repeatedly sexually harass and assault two employees.?

Quote from the two employees who were sexually harassed and assaulted

Sheridan's inaction allowed the sexual harassment and assault to continue. For example,?one of the employees filed a complaint against the supervisor, but Sheridan did nothing. Sheridan failed to initiate an investigation, discipline the supervisor, or put any measures in place to prevent further harassment from occurring.

In filing this lawsuit, MDHR is seeking structural change so that all?Sheridan?employees are provided a work environment that is free from sexual harassment and assault.

In the News

* *Human rights agency accuses Brainerd company of failing to stop supervisor's harassment (MPR) [ [link removed] ]*
* *Brainerd Printing Company Sued by MN for Allegedly Failing to Stop Sexual Harassment, Assault (Lakeland PBS) [ [link removed] ]?
*

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Pay History Law

On January 1, 2024, a *new law* [ [link removed] ] aimed at bringing Minnesota one step closer to narrowing the gender and racial pay gap went into effect.

The law encourages employers to rely on a job applicant?s skills and qualifications to set pay. It prohibits employers from asking about or considering an applicant?s past or current pay during the hiring process.

Help Close Minnesota's Gender and Racial Pay Gap
More Information?

* *Scenarios Answer Common Questions*: Navigate through *eight scenarios* [ [link removed] ] where you?ll encounter hypothetical stories, questions, and answers.
* *Report Violations*: Anyone who believes they were asked about their past or current pay during the hiring process should *complete this form* [ [link removed] ].
* *Spread the Word*:?Check out the *outreach toolkit* [ [link removed] ] with materials in multiple languages to help share information about this new law.?

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We're Hiring Investigators?

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans by working at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. We're currently hiring multiple investigators.?


* *Closing Date: *Tuesday, February 6, 2024
* *Salary Range:* *?*$27.58 - $40.49 / hourly; $57,587 - $84,543 / annually
* *How to Apply:?*Anyone interested in this position can view the full description and apply at?*mn.gov/mmb/careers/* [ [link removed] ]?with?*Job ID 73206.*?
Join our team!
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Discrimination Helpline

We want to hear from Minnesotans who believe they experienced or witnessed discrimination.

The first step is to?*complete this online form. [ [link removed] ]*

If you do not have access to the internet to complete this initial form, leave us a message at?*651-539-1100*.



Thank you for reading! If you aren't already subscribed, *sign up here.* [ [link removed] ]







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