The US Supreme Court unanimously ruled to revive a 'reverse discrimination' lawsuit filed by Marlean Ames, a heterosexual woman from Ohio, who claimed she was denied a promotion at the Ohio Department of Youth Services because of her sexual orientation. The ruling makes it easier for individuals from majority backgrounds to pursue such claims, overturning a lower court's requirement for proof of a history of discrimination against a majority group. This decision comes amidst broader attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in the US.
US supreme court sides with heterosexual woman in ‘reverse discrimination’ case
US supreme courtOhioUnited States
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The US Supreme Court unanimously ruled to revive a 'reverse discrimination' lawsuit filed by Marlean Ames, a heterosexual woman from Ohio, who claimed she was denied a promotion at the Ohio Department of Youth Services because of her sexual orientation. The ruling makes it easier for individuals from majority backgrounds to pursue such claims, overturning a lower court's requirement for proof of a history of discrimination against a majority group. This decision comes amidst broader attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in the US.
Trending- 1 2023: Supreme Court ruled affirmative action in higher education unconstitutional
- 2 Last two years (before 2025-06-05): Dozens of cases aiming to dismantle DEI policies flooded courts
- 3 Start of second term (Trump administration): Banned DEI within federal government
- 4 Thursday (2025-06-05): US Supreme Court issued 9-0 ruling
- Makes it easier for individuals from majority groups to file 'reverse discrimination' lawsuits
- Potentially leading to more challenges against DEI policies in workplaces across the US
- Reinforces the conservative court's stance on such issues
What: The US Supreme Court unanimously ruled to revive a 'reverse discrimination' case, making it easier for individuals from majority backgrounds (like heterosexual people) to pursue claims of workplace discrimination. The case involves Marlean Ames, an Ohio woman who alleged she was denied a promotion because she is heterosexual.
When: Ruling made on Thursday (2025-06-05).
Where: US Supreme Court, Washington D.C., USA. The case originated in Ohio, involving the Ohio’s department of youth services.
Why: Marlean Ames argued that her First Amendment rights were violated by being denied a promotion due to her sexual orientation. The Supreme Court's decision reflects an appetite to rethink the definition of 'reverse discrimination' and aligns with broader efforts under the Trump administration to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
How: The Supreme Court issued a 9-0 ruling, throwing out a lower court's decision that had rejected Ames's civil rights lawsuit. The case has been sent back to lower courts for further proceedings. The ruling challenges the requirement for plaintiffs in 'reverse discrimination' cases to prove a history of discrimination against a majority group.