Subjective criteria can pose risks in promotion decisions

Description

Abstract: When an African-American IRS employee applied for a higher position, he and three other candidates underwent an evaluation process consisting of objective criteria and a subjective interview. When he was passed over in favor of a Caucasian female with less education and experience, he sued, claiming that IRS officials had used a subjective evaluation process to create a legitimate explanation for its discriminatory practice. This article explains why the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia sided with the plaintiff. Citation: Hamilton v. Geithner, No. 10-5419, Jan. 17, 2012 (Dist. of Columbia Cir.)