Last week, a federal judge dismissed a transgender discrimination lawsuit brought by the EEOC, citing the company owner’s religious beliefs and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.  The case involved the termination of a transgender woman who began presenting as a female during her employment at a funeral home chain.  The owner of the chain requested an exemption under the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision, stating that if the employee presented as a female she would be “violating God’s commands.”  No word yet if the EEOC intends to appeal.

Discrimination

• Harvard Business Review described how companies are more innovative in states with broad anti-discrimination laws.
• Fast Company covered two reasons why “company culture” is overrated, noting that finding a candidate who is a “culture fit” could result in discrimination.
• Business Insider reported on a new study that shows corporate diversity programs don’t work.
• Jon Hyman demonstrated that overt pregnancy discrimination still exists.
• The EEOC sued a butcher supply company because a supervisor allegedly made derogatory comments about a Muslim employee’s religious practices, including fasting during Ramadan and wearing a hijab.
• Eric B. Meyer noted that an employer was able to avoid a discrimination claim by rescinding an employee’s termination.
• U.C. Berkeley’s Chancellor resigned last week amid criticism of his handling of multiple sexual harassment scandals.

Technology

• HR Underground described the current and potential uses of artificial intelligence in human resources.
• Jonathan Segal discussed how companies can lawfully embrace social recruiting.
• HR Bartender covered everything HR needs to know about human capital management systems.
• Meghan M. Biro wrote about how HR needs to integrate technology to remain competitive.
• Buzzfeed asked if the bad guys are winning when it comes to cybersecurity.

In other developments:

• Uber suffered a setback when a federal judge disapproved of its settlement with drivers over expenses and tips.
• Inside Counsel illustrated the legal risks associated with telecommuting.
• The new agreement between Subway and the U.S. Department of Labor over working conditions at the popular sandwich shop has raised concerns over joint employer issues.