Dentist Case Raises Questions in Sexual Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Law
Sometimes even the most apparent cases of sexual discrimination and sexual harassment aren’t as obvious as they seem. It is for this reason that it is in your best interest to seek the guidance and support of legal counsel if you have suffered sexual discrimination or sexual harassment. One such case that has raised questions in the employment law community emerges from the state of Iowa , where a recent ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court found in favor, by 7-0, of dentist James Knight who fired his employee, Melissa Nelson, because she was too attractive. Shocking as it may seem, the court ruled that it was not a wrongful termination, despite the employee’s 10 years of service and positive employment record.
She Was “Too Attractive”
Statements made during the case include the dentist and his wife both fearing he might have an affair with the worker, as she was too attractive. Text communications with inappropriate remarks were also presented to the court as evidence, including messages from the dentist that asked questions about the employee’s sex life. The dentist also made vulgar statements to the employee regarding what he thought was revealing clothing. The employee’s work environment included a constant bantering by the dentist regarding how attractive he thought she was. And yet, after ten years of employment with a good record, she was still terminated from her job with the dentist even citing her attractiveness as a reason.
About The Ruling
So how does a court find in favor of the employer in this case? Apparently, the Iowa Supreme Court second-guessed its decision as well. The court decided to revisit its original ruling, which took place last year; however, the court ultimately reaffirmed its previous position and found in favor of the dentist yet again. In the eyes of the court, the fired worker was not terminated because of an act of sexual discrimination, finding that the termination did not stem from personal views on gender or sex, but instead resulted from his own personal feelings with no discriminatory bias in play.
The lesson to be learned from this case? That the definition of sexual discrimination and sexual harassment are debatable in court. And, as proven, the court may distinguish between sexual discrimination and sexual harassment differently with varying interpretations of the law. Hiring a competent lawyer can make the difference in successfully arguing your case in court. Contact our New York Discrimination Attorneys to learn more.