California Supreme Court Reviewing State’s Pregnancy Discrimination Law

The California Supreme Court is reviewing a pregnancy discrimination case against the City of Santa Monica.  Wynona Harris filed the suit under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) after her employment was terminated just six days after she informed her supervisor she was pregnant.

According to the LA Business Law Examiner, the City denied that Harris’ pregnancy had anything to do with the termination and claimed the termination decision was based on job performance.

Harris was awarded $177,905 in damages and more than $400,000 in attorneys’ fees, but an appellate court reversed the judgment and ordered a new trial.  The California Supreme Court agreed to review the case and should provide clarification regarding the FEHA in mixed motive cases.