Age Discrimination in Employment Act – Superintendent’s comments propel case to trial

Description

Abstract: When a school principal’s contract wasn’t renewed, he claimed age discrimination, citing statements by the superintendent suggesting age-based animus. At trial, the superintendent (who was older) claimed that he had made all of these comments with respect to his own job, not the plaintiff’s position. The district court agreed, but the Sixth Circuit reversed. This article explains why — noting that it’s important to instruct and remind management to avoid age-related comments even when the words in question aren’t directed solely toward an individual employee. Scheick v. Tecumseh Public Schools, No. 13-1558766, Sept. 2, 2014 (6th Cir.)