Nelson v. Knight

Dentist fired his long-time female dental assistant (Employee) at the request of his wife after she discovered Dentist and Employee had been texting. Wife claimed Employee "was a big threat" to the marriage. Employee subsequently brought this action against Dentist, alleging that he discriminated against her on the basis of sex. The district court granted summary judgment for Dentist, concluding that Employee was not fired because of her gender but because she was a threat to Dentist's marriage. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that Dentist did not engage in unlawful gender discrimination in violation of the Iowa Civil Rights Act when he fired Employee at the request of his wife.View "Nelson v. Knight" on Justia Law