Age Discrimination

The workplace should never be a place for discrimination. Unfortunately, for far too many people it’s a reality. Often fearing job loss or retaliation, many fail to report inappropriate behavior – even if they are protected from it under the law.

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Although many of us would like to believe that it is, employment discrimination is not a thing of the past.  Every day, employers make decisions about hiring, firing, promotions, demotions and other matters.  While prohibited from considering sex, race, age or disability, when making these decisions, some employers ignore these rules.  Georgia Regents University has recently been accused of just this type of misconduct.

Anthony W. Duva worked for the university for almost a decade and in 2013 was acting as a Senior Director of Development for Gift Planning in the Advancement Department.  He was allegedly told by his superior, the Senior Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer, Susan Barcus, that he would soon be receiving a raise as a result of the high quality of his work.  A short while later he was fired from his position via a letter of termination.   The university was instituting a workplace reduction plan and Duva’s position was outsourced.  Duva claims that after he received the letter and brought it Barcus’ attention that she told him that she was honoring his termination request and outsourcing the position as he had asked. Duva denies that he ever made such a request.

Duva is claiming age discrimination and has brought a lawsuit against the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and several officials including the university’s president.  Duva asserts that university President Ricardo Azziz complained that many of the university’s workers were too old.  Duva also accuses Barcus of inquiring about his retirement on various occasions.  He also claims that younger individuals were hired or kept on at the same time that he was fired.  If these allegations are true and it can be proven that Duva was terminated due to his age, he may be entitled to significant compensation.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against at work due to your age, sex, race or disability, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced employment law attorney.  The lawyers at Pankey & Horlock can help.  Call (770)670-6250  for a consultation today.

Employment discrimination comes in many forms.  An employer could fire you or refuse to hire you for a number of illegal reasons including your race, religion, gender or age.  One type of discrimination that is rampant across the country, but, that is often overlooked, is age discrimination.  If affects a surprising number of individuals who often do not get the compensation they deserve.  A recent age discrimination case was brought against one of America’s top news networks.

George Hyatt was a cameraman for NBC News for 30 years.  In his latest position, he worked on the Daily Rundown hosted by Chuck Todd.  He was fired in 2011 and claimed that it was due to age discrimination.  Hyatt alleged that right before he was fired his manager stated to other workers that he wanted to hire younger employees.

Hyatt filed a claim with the Office of Human Rights in Washington, D.C.  This agency found for NBC.  After getting approval from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Hyatt filed a federal case in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.  NBC opposed the suit and alleged that Hyatt was let go due to poor job performance alone.  The company filed a motion to dismiss the suit pointing out that Hyatt’s employment contract barred him from bringing a discrimination action against them.  The judge refused to dismiss the case and mandated that the parties submit to mediation.

This summer, the parties came to an agreement and settled the case.  It is unclear what the terms were included in the settlement.  Hyatt had stated previously that he either wanted monetary damages or his job back.  As he is not currently employed by NBC, it is likely that he received financial compensation.

Employment discrimination can have an effect on your ability to provide for yourself and your family.  If you believe you have been discriminated against it is essential that you contact an experienced employment law attorney.  Contact Pankey & Horlock for a free case evaluation by calling (770)670-6250 today.