Retaliation against a worker’s fiancée
Thompson v. North American Stainless
In brief
The Supreme Court let Thompson pursue his retaliation claim and overturned the Sixth Circuit’s ruling that he could not sue.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided · January 24, 2011 · Opinion by Justice Scalia
- What it’s about
- The Supreme Court ruled that, if Eric Thompson’s allegations are true, North American Stainless unlawfully retaliated against him by firing him after his fiancée complained of sex discrimination; Title VII, the federal workplace-discrimination law, lets him sue.
- Who it affects
- Thompson can sue under Title VII over his alleged firing, even though his fiancée made the discrimination complaint.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Court overturned the Sixth Circuit’s ruling and sent the case back for further proceedings.
Title VII is a federal law that bars workplace discrimination and includes a rule against retaliation for complaints.
Question presented
1. Does an employer violate an anti-retaliation provision of a federal civil rights statute by firing the fiancée of the employee who complained about discrimination? 2. Can the fired employee sue, or only the employee who filed the complaint?
What the Court decided
Holding
If the facts Thompson alleges are true, his firing by NAS consti tuted unlawful retaliation. Title VII’s antiretaliation provision must be construed to cover a broad range of employer conduct. Burlington N. & S. F. R. Co. v. White, 548 U. S. Title VII grants Thompson a cause of action. 567 F. 3d 804, reversed and remanded.
- Result
- Reversed
The Court's reasoning
The Court said Title VII’s rule against retaliation covers a broad range of employer conduct. It decided that, if Thompson’s allegations are true, firing him after his fiancée complained about sex discrimination was unlawful retaliation, and Title VII gives him the right to sue.
The vote
- Majority author
- Antonin Scalia
What's next
The case returns to the Sixth Circuit for further proceedings.
Documents
Opinions
Audio
Docket activity
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Impact Analysis
AI analysis generated: Opinion Summary
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AI analysis generated: Decision Record
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Audio Recording added: Oral Arguments - Thompson
Opinion added: Thompson
More questions
- Did the Court decide whether North American Stainless was ultimately liable?
- No. The Court’s ruling assumed Thompson’s allegations were true, and the case returns to the lower courts for further proceedings.
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.