Supreme Court Revives Reverse Discrimination Case: Ohio Woman's Demotion Claim
The Supreme Court has breathed new life into the case of Marlean Ames, an Ohio employee who alleges she was unfairly denied a promotion due to being heterosexual.
Unanimous Decision
In a unanimous 9-0 decision, the court overturned a lower court's dismissal of Ames' lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Youth Services. The case will now return to the lower courts for further consideration.
The Allegations
Ames contends that she was passed over for a promotion in favor of a lesbian candidate and subsequently demoted, with her former position filled by a gay man.
Lower Court Ruling
The US Circuit Court of Appeals had previously rejected Ames' claim, arguing that she needed to prove discriminatory actions were taken by members of a minority group, despite the fact that those involved in the hiring and demotion decisions were also heterosexual.
State's Justification
The state maintains that Ames' demotion was part of a broader restructuring effort focused on addressing sexual violence within the juvenile corrections system.
Supreme Court's Interest
However, the Supreme Court expressed interest in re-evaluating the concept of "reverse discrimination."
Background
Ames has been employed by the department since 2004, with the dispute arising after she began reporting to a lesbian supervisor in 2017. She was denied the promotion in 2019 and demoted shortly thereafter.
Legal Reaction
Her lawyer, Xiao Wang, expressed pleasure that this decision eliminated a major obstacle for his client.
