Mercer Times

Attorney General Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) have announced enforcement actions against the Cinnaminson Township Board of Education for violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA). The cases involve a policy that prohibited employees on leave from coaching or participating in extracurricular activities, leading to allegations of gender and pregnancy-based discrimination.

Attorney General Platkin emphasized that New Jersey's anti-discrimination laws protect employees' rights to balance work and family responsibilities, stating, "These cases serve as a reminder that employment policies cannot punish an employee for taking time off to bond with a new family member." Director of the Division on Civil Rights, Sundeep Iyer, highlighted the importance of strong protections against gender and pregnancy-based discrimination, stating, "The enforcement actions announced today demonstrate that we are committed to enforcing these critical protections."

The investigation found that the school district's policy disproportionately affected women and pregnant individuals, who were more likely to take extended leaves for caregiving. Despite the majority of staff being women and a high percentage of leaves taken for caregiving being by women, extracurricular positions were predominantly awarded to men. This disparity led to women being predictably precluded from coaching activities.

Furthermore, the investigation concluded that the school district's policy violated the NJFLA by prohibiting employees on family leave from continuing part-time employment as coaches. The affected employees were women on family leave following pregnancy and childbirth, with some being prevented from returning to coaching duties despite years of experience.

The Division on Civil Rights enforces anti-discrimination laws and works to eliminate bias-based harassment in various settings throughout New Jersey. The actions taken against the Cinnaminson Township Board of Education highlight the commitment to upholding employees' rights and combatting discriminatory practices.

To learn more about the Division on Civil Rights and the New Jersey Family Leave Act, individuals can visit the DCR's website for additional information and resources.