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2015 Diversity & Inclusion Conference & Exposition
Gain practical approaches to create an environment designed to reduce discrimination claims based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
PowerPoints/Handouts Available

The laws regarding sexual orientation and gender identity seem to constantly change. And with the U.S. Supreme Court having made a decision about same-sex marriage, more changes will come. Along with this legal landscape and the rise in awareness regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, has come an increase in legal issues presented in the workplace. Discrimination claims based on sexual orientation or gender identity are real concerns for employers operating in the growing number of state and local jurisdictions that provide protections for employees on these bases. Furthermore, due to the Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage, companies and managers are confronting new and significant legal issues. This session will help you:

  • Examine the legal protections for LGBTQ employees and applicants.
  • Discuss steps you can and should take to create and/or maintain an LGBTQ-friendly working environment.
  • Analyze common and not-so-common LGBTQ workplace issues and provide business-focused and practical solutions.
 
Date(s) & Time(s): 
Tuesday, October 27, 2015 - 10:15am to 11:30am
Presenter: 
Michael S. Cohen, J.D.
Partner
Duane Morris, LLP
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Michael S. Cohen is a partner in Duane Morris’ Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group.  Michael concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law training and counseling. He has trained and counseled employers throughout the country on subjects including harassment prevention; diversity, equity and inclusion; combatting implicit bias; performance management; discipline and discharge; hiring and recruiting practices; performance evaluations; FMLA, ADA and FLSA compliance; leave of absence policies; LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace; substance abuse testing; workplace violence; records retention; conducting background checks; and more. Michael also has conducted investigations into claims of harassment and discrimination and has drafted employee handbooks, employment agreements, non-compete agreements and post-termination agreements. Michael regularly conducts in excess of 200 trainings each year.  He has represented clients throughout the country in EEO and other administrative proceedings.

Michael has been cited as a national authority on employment issues by The New York Times, The Associated Press, USA Today, MSNBC.com, HR Magazine, SHRM On-Line, Employment Law 360, Inside Counsel Magazine, as well as many other publications. Michael serves as an Advisory Board Member of GenHERation and as a Board Member of Serve, Inc. Michael is a 1997 magna cum laude graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law and a cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.

SESSIONS:
Location: 
Salons H-J
Amount of Credit: 
1.25
Credit Type: 
•SHRM PDCs
•HR Credit
Session Type: 
Concurrent Session
Competency: 
Global & Cultural Effectiveness
Intended Audience: 
Mid-Level

Source URL: https://sessions-cron.shrm.org/conference/2015-diversity-inclusion-conference-exposition/session/creating-lgbtq-friendly-workplace