Eric Schneiderman, Attorney General for the State of New York
Discrimination is a widespread issue that plagues personal interactions, employment opportunities, and workplace conduct. It comes in the form of gender discrimination, age discrimination, and even discrimination against sexual orientation. Lately, it has become increasingly clear that this legal issue is not going away.
Eric Schneiderman, Attorney General for the State of New York, has recently requested a statement from the National Football League regarding their stance on sexual orientation discrimination of prospective football players. This comes after several prospects, including Nick Kasa from the University of Colorado, stated during an interview with CNN that they were questioned regarding their sexual orientation preferences during skills auditions in Indianapolis. Kasa felt the questions posed, including “Do you like girls?” were odd and out of place. Other prospective players were asked similar questions.
The National Football League, headquartered in New York, fiercely expressed their opposition to any sexual orientation bias, stating that all allegations would be thoroughly investigated and further commented on existing policies in place which specifically prohibited sexual orientation discrimination by the National Football League.
In Schneiderman’s letter to Roger Goodell, the National Football League Commissioner, the Attorney General referenced the essential nature of equal protection under the law for every employer, employee and prospective job applicant. Schneiderman further requested that the football league clarify its stance on this issue in the form of a public statement, specifically addressing a no-tolerance policy of sexual orientation discrimination by the league’s teams, their employees, or agents and acknowledging a violation of state and local laws (and possibly contractual laws in some cases) if such discrimination is perpetrated.
Spokesman for the National Football League, Greg Aiello, responded with a statement endorsing a no-tolerance policy against sexual orientation bias, suggesting that any employee or team that inquires about sexual orientation preferences or any impermissible subject, or bases employment decisions on such, will be held accountable and subject to discipline. Aiello further elaborated on the NFL’s sexual discrimination policy, declaring that all teams will not consider or question a person regarding their sexual orientation preferences during the hiring process.
As it stands, New York’s Attorney General made it expressly clear that sexual orientation bias will not be tolerated in New York, the National Football League, or anywhere else. The NFL has also stated corresponding viewpoints and will be investigating all avenues of the sexual orientation discrimination claims by the prospective players.
If you think your rights have been violated, contact our New York discrimination attorney office today. We offer a free initial consultation to confidentially discuss the specifics of your case.