On June 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark 9–0 decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, reinforcing that Title VII protections apply equally to all employees—regardless of their demographic background. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote the majority opinion, concluding that courts cannot impose a higher burden of proof on so-called “majority‑group” plaintiffs (e.g., straight or white individuals). Case Background:Marlean Ames, a heterosexual Ohio state employee with over 15 years of service, alleged she was passed over for a promotion—and later demoted—while less-qualified LGBTQ+ colleagues were promoted in her stead. Lower courts had dismissed her Title VII claim due to a “background circumstances” requirement, which demanded extra proof from majority-group plaintiffs—a standard now struck down by the Supreme Court. Key Takeaways: Equal Legal Standard: Title VII applies to any individual, regardless of race, sex, or sexual orientation. Courts may no longer apply heightened pleading standards based on a plaintiff’s group identity. Majority-Group Plaintiffs Protected: Members of majority groups can now pursue discrimination claims under the same legal framework as anyone else. Potential Rise in Claims: This decision may lead to an increase in claims challenging the fairness of workplace DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) programs. What This Means for Maryland Employers Apply Policies Uniformly: Ensure discrimination protections apply equally to all employees. Document Employment Decisions: Use objective criteria in hiring and promotions, and maintain clear records. Investigate All Complaints Fairly: Complaints from majority-group employees must be taken seriously and evaluated without bias. Contact Us Luchansky Law helps Maryland employers stay compliant with ever-evolving employment laws. Whether you need assistance updating your HR policies, handling a discrimination complaint, or defending your business in court, our team is here to help.  Call us at (410) 522-1020 Learn more at employmentattorneymd.com Contact us today for a consultation. References: Washington Post – Supreme Court sides with woman claiming anti-straight job discrimination Time – Supreme Court Unanimously Sides With Straight Woman In ‘Reverse Discrimination’ Case Reuters – US Supreme Court makes ‘reverse’ discrimination suits easier SCOTUSblog – Case analysis of Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services