Race / Color Discrimination

October 6, 2011 by mjpospis

African American Partygoers Can Continue Race Discrimination Suit Against 230 Fifth

In Whitehurst v. 230 Fifth, Inc. et al, 11-cv-0767, Southern District Judge McMahon allowed plaintiffs (all African American) to continue some, but not all, of their race-based claims against popular restaurant/lounge 230 Fifth (located at 230 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan). Plaintiffs alleged that, after arriving to celebrate a friend’s birthday, they were subjected to discriminatory…

Court confirms breadth of hostile work environment claims under NYC Human Rights Law

In Nelson v. HSBC Bank USA (Sept. 13, 2011), the Appellate Division, Second Department clarified the standard governing “hostile work environment” discrimination claims – here, based on the plaintiffs’ race – brought under the NYC Human Rights Law. Following a jury verdict for defendant, the appellate court ordered a new trial, finding that the jury…