Schaefer Halleen is pleased to award its Spring Social Equity Scholarship to Breeze Velazquez. Following is Ms. Velazquez’s story. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we did. Congratulations, Breeze! Breeze's Winning Essay When I was a little girl, my uncle filled the void of a father. He would take me on weekend picnics with his own kids and house me and my mami for the months we couldn’t pay rent. One evening, as I peered out … [Read more...]
Reporting Workplace Misconduct: What If I’m Wrong?
Minnesota employees are generally protected from workplace retaliation if they report illegal behavior pursuant to workplace policies. The illegal behavior at issue may be unlawful discrimination or harassment based on a protected class such as age, sex, race, or disability, or a violation of some other state or federal law. But it’s not always clear whether illegal behavior actually occurred. Is a passing, suggestive comment illegal? What … [Read more...]
Steps to Take After Wrongful Termination: Navigating the Path to Justice
Losing your job can be a profoundly unsettling experience, especially when you suspect that the termination was unjust or unlawful. Wrongful termination can shatter your sense of security and leave you grappling with a complex mix of emotions. However, it's crucial to remember that you have rights and options in such situations. In this article, we'll guide you through the essential steps to take after wrongful termination, empowering you to … [Read more...]
How to Prove Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Age discrimination is one of the most common types of workplace discrimination. It involves treating an employee less favorably because of his or her age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) forbids age discrimination against people who are forty or older. Minnesota state law protects employees who are over eighteen from age discrimination under the Minnesota Human Rights Act (“MHRA”). Both the ADEA and the MHRA prohibit … [Read more...]
Minnesota House Passes the CROWN Act Hair Discrimination Bill
On February 1, 2023, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” The law prohibits racial discrimination based on natural hairstyles and textures. The CROWN Act, which will go into effect on August 1, 2023, represents a meaningful advancement in anti-discrimination laws for employees in Minnesota. Expanding Protections Under Minnesota Human Rights Act The … [Read more...]
