Governor Dayton signed an amendment to the Minnesota Human Rights Act, ensuring that victims of discrimination or retaliation are entitled to a jury by their peers. The bill provides that victims of discrimination in employment, housing, education or other areas, will have the right to a jury trial in cases brought in state court.
Governor Dayton signed an amendment to the Minnesota Human Rights Act, ensuring that victims of discrimination or retaliation are entitled to a jury by their peers. The bill provides that victims of discrimination in employment, housing, education or other areas, will have the right to a jury trial in cases brought in state court.
Frances Baillon spoke at the Minnesota Senate on behalf of the plaintiff’s bar in favor of the amendment’s passage. Prior to the amendment, there was uncertainty on this issue, and in many cases, employees were only allowed a trial by judge, depending on the venue and what claims were brought in the case. Passage of the amendment marks an important victory for employees throughout Minnesota who will now have the opportunity to have the right to have their discrimination case heard by a jury.
The Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, national orientation, citizenship, familial or marital status, religion, public assistance status, veteran status, or genetic information. Minnesota employers are prohibited from taking any adverse employment action, including failure to hire, termination, or demotion for discriminatory reasons. Employers can also be held liable for any harassment or retaliation as a result of reporting discrimination. Members of any protected class can take legal action to hold employers accountable for discriminatory action and now the victims of unlawful discrimination and retaliation are entitled to a jury trial.
If you have suffered discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, we can help. You may be entitled to compensation, including actual damages for the violation, punitive damages, and additional financial compensation related to discrimination or an adverse employment action take against you. For more information about the MHRA and your rights, please contact the employment lawyers at Wanta Thome PLC by calling 612-252-3570.