Employer May Violate Title VII If It Takes Action Against An Employee Because Of The Employee's Association With A Person Of Another Race
Craig Holcomb, a white former employee of Iona College's athletic department, sued the college, alleging that his termination as associate head coach of the men's basketball team was based on race, namely his marriage to an African-American woman, in violation of Title VII. The United States District Court granted summary judgment for the college. On appeal, the 2nd Circuit reversed, holding that: (1) As a matter of first impression, a claim of adverse action based on an employee's association with a person of another race is cognizable under Title VII; and (2) there was sufficient evidence to permit a reasonable jury to conclude that Holcomb was fired, at least in part, based on a racially discriminatory motive—his marriage to a black woman.
Holcomb v. Iona College
The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals’ jurisdiction includes New York, Vermont and Connecticut.