Although the issues of sex discrimination and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity may seem separate, their histories and impact on the law are linked. This article will examine—in two parts—the history of Title IX with respect to LGBTQ+ rights as well as the impact both have on our workplaces and campuses today.

We all want to feel included, respected, and safe at work. It translates to a positive and productive work environment for everyone. In recognition of Pride Month, we highlight 8 important opportunities for an inclusive workplace for those who identify in the LGBTQ+ community

Although the issues of sex discrimination and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity may seem separate, their histories and impact on the law are linked. This article will examine—in two parts—the history of Title IX with respect to LGBTQ+ rights as well as the impact both have on our workplaces and campuses today.

Prior to the enactment of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, there was a significant disparity between men and women in education throughout the United States. Laws in the early 1900s mandating children attend school from kindergarten through 12th grade ensured girls’ presence in K-12 schools. However, classes and extracurricular offerings were not equal for boys and girls.

Investigators and witnesses are often at odds when it comes to lengthy or multiple interviews. Interviews can be stressful and interviewees generally desire them to be over sooner rather than later - without offense to the investigator. Investigators, on the other hand, must be diligent in completing their interviews and ensure they gather the necessary material information to complete a thorough investigation regardless of the time it takes.

This month, we are delighted to put the VM Spotlight on one of our Partners, Erich Knorr. Erich has been with the Firm for 6 years and during that time he has grown his skillset and knowledge of investigations while being a valued mentor of Team VM.

In the investigative world, we often run into situations where two people interpret the same events in wildly different ways. As human beings, our memories can be subjective, and we are constantly interpreting events through the lens of our own backgrounds and experiences.

VM Recommends is a monthly feature where members of our Team give suggestions on podcasts, television, movies and books for you to spend time with.

For April, see what Supervising Editor Mary Ann Demos is recommending.

This month, we are delighted to put the VM Spotlight on our Supervising Editor and Paralegal, Mary Ann Demos, who leads our valiant team of Editors. Since joining VM in 2014, Mary Ann has worked assiduously to make sure the attorneys’ work is polished to perfection, and she also lends her editing touch to correspondence, surveys, and handbooks for the Firm

This new series from VM gives you insight into the terms and concepts of neutral investigations. In this edition, we focus on the term PROMPT, the second of three critical requirements of a workplace investigation.

Most businesses, understandably, want their workplace investigations completed as fast as possible. But balancing speed with thoroughness—all while maintaining impartiality and respecting procedural fairness and due process—is of critical importance in conducting a process that has integrity.

This month, we are delighted to put the VM Spotlight on our Chief Operating Officer, Jennifer “Jen” Maguire. Jen has been with the Firm for 6 years. During that time, she has helped the Firm grow and develop in many different ways.

VM Recommends is a monthly feature where members of our Team give suggestions on podcasts, television, movies and books for you to spend time with. 

For March, see what Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Maguire is recommending.

While sports teams may not be traditional “workplaces,” it is still important for teams, and the leagues they operate under as a whole, to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable coming to work each day. A recent racial discrimination lawsuit filed by a former head coach in the NFL highlights the significance of equity and fairness in hiring practices in the sports industry.

When you choose VM, it may appear as though you have one investigator assigned to your case. But in reality, you are benefitting from a team of investigators and professional staff drawing from a wealth of knowledge.

VM Recommends is a monthly feature where members of our Team give suggestions on podcasts, television, movies and books for you to spend time with. 

For February, see what Partner Jen Doughty is recommending.

This month, we are delighted to put the VM Spotlight on one of our Partners, Jennifer “Jen” Doughty. Jen is the Firm’s longest employee. She recently celebrated her 10-year anniversary with VM!

This new series from VM gives you insight into the terms and concepts of neutral investigations.  In this edition, we focus on the term IMPARTIAL, one of the three critical requirements of a workplace investigation.

VM Recommends is a monthly feature where members of our Team give suggestions on podcasts, television, movies and books for you to spend time with. 

For January, see what Senior Partners, Sue Ann Van Dermyden and Eli Makus are recommending.

At Van Dermyden Makus, we have a keen interest in all things workplace investigation. This includes watching, learning from and assessing public investigations to see how they play out.