Lakewood, Colo. (June 5, 2025)— In a major victory for equal protection under the law, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 9-0 today in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, confirming that litigants do not need to meet a higher evidentiary standard to bring employment discrimination claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, based on their race or sex.
The case centered around Marlean Ames, a heterosexual woman who alleged that she was denied a promotion, and then later demoted, in favor of gay colleagues. While the Supreme Court did not decide whether Ames would win her case, it clarified that she does not have to meet a special burden of proof simply because she is part of a “majority” group.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, writing for a unanimous Court, stated, “Title VII does not impose such a heightened standard on majority group plaintiffs. Therefore, the judgment below is vacated.”
The decision dismantles the Sixth Circuit’s so-called “background circumstances” rule, which had required plaintiffs who are members of a majority group, such as heterosexual, male, or Caucasian employees, to satisfy a heightened evidentiary standard.
William Trachman, General Counsel at Mountain States Legal Foundation, responded to the ruling, saying, “Today the Supreme Court unanimously rejected the idea that different standards ought to apply to different litigants in discrimination suits, depending on their race or sex. That notion had no basis in statutory text, and was itself unconstitutional. Justice Thomas was right to go even further in his concurrence, and denounce employer DEI programs that discriminate against men and Caucasian employees. We look forward to a day when such programs are dead and buried.”
Mountain States Legal Foundation (MSLF) proudly supported Ms. Ames’ fight for equal treatment, having previously filed an amicus brief in the case on behalf of its own client, Josh Young, another victim of discrimination based on race.
Although the Court remanded the case for further proceedings, the ruling sends a clear message: Title VII’s promise of equal protection applies to everyone. No American should face additional legal hurdles because of their race, sex, or orientation.
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Mountain States Legal Foundation is a nonprofit, public-interest legal firm established in 1977. MSLF is dedicated to individual liberty, limited and ethical government, and the benefits of the free enterprise system. MSLF defends its clients through pro bono litigation and seeks victory for its clients at the highest level possible to establish binding legal precedents to benefit millions of Americans. Through its litigation and public discourse, MSLF educates the American public on the threat unrestrained government presents to our liberties. Learn more at mslegal.org
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