When the dots don’t connect in a retaliation action

Description

Abstract: This article covers an appeals court case where the decision hinged on whether the plaintiff could make a causal connection between his former employer’s actions and certain adverse outcomes. It explains the factors for a prima facie case for retaliation under Title VII and Section 1981 and why the court denied the plaintiff’s claims. It also warns employers to provide only “neutral” references for former employees. Mitchell v. Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc., No. 15-11786, Dec. 17, 2015 (11th Cir.)