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In August 2014, Dr. El-Khalil had sued Oakwood Healthcare, Inc., alleging racial discrimination in violation of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), as well as tortious interference with an advantageous business relationship and defamation.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is making headlines for its recent ruling in an employment discrimination case, although probably not for the reason the Court would like: its decision.

The Michigan Court of Appeals has reaffirmed that circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over civil rights claims brought under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), regardless of the dollar amount that’s involved.

The term Cat’s Paw comes from an old fable in which a conniving monkey convinces a cat to reach into a fire to get roasting chestnuts. The cat is duped, burns its paw and the monkey enjoys the chestnuts with no harm. In the employment discrimination context, ‘cat’s paw’ refers to a situation in which a biased subordinate, who lacks decision making power, uses the formal decision maker as a dupe in a deliberate scheme to trigger a discriminatory employment action.” (EEOC v. BCI Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Los Angeles,) 450 F.3d 476, 484 (10th Cir. 2006).

I'll be honest. When I first started reading the 6th Circuit's opinion in Keith v Oakland County (decided 01/10/13 in a published opinion), I asked myself, how is it possible for a deaf lifeguard to safely perform his duties?