Thompson v. North American Stainless

Holding: Title VII's ban on workplace retaliation against an employee who challenges discrimination also protects a co-worker who is a relative or close associate of the targeted employee. (Kagan, J., recused.)

Plain English Holding: Title VII prohibits an employer from retaliating against a worker who complains of discrimination by firing that worker’s fiancée. Moreover, the fired fiancée can sue the employer for violating Title VII. (Kagan, J., recused.)

Judgment: Sixth Circuit reversed, 8-0, in an opinion by Justice Scalia on January 24, 2011.

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs

• Brief for Petitioner Eric L. Thompson
• Brief for Respondent North American Stainless, LP
• Reply Brief for Petitioner Eric L. Thompson

Amicus Briefs

• Brief for the National Women’s Law Center in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for the United States of America in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for the National Employment Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, AARP, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Inc., Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and the Legal Aid Society of San Francisco-Employment Law Center in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for the Equal Employment Advisory Council, National Association of Manufacturers and the National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Legal Center in Support of Respondent
• Brief for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Support of Respondent

Certiorari-Stage Documents

• Opinion below (6th Circuit)
• Petition for certiorari
• Brief in opposition (unavailable)
• Petitioner’s reply (unavailable)
• Amicus brief of the United States (invited) (deny)