“Saks Withdraws Motion to Dismiss Trans Worker's Lawsuit,” 26 Jan 2015

Saks'…lawyers have backed off their claim that [a] former employee…doesn’t have the right to sue the company for discrimination because she is transgender…Lawyers for Saks…say they will proceed with the[ir]…defense and that “the facts will demonstrate that Plaintiff’s allegations are wholly without merit, that Saks did not discriminate…, and that Saks’ policies and procedures are effective in ensuring an inclusive and diverse workplace free of discrimination and harassment”…The withdrawal came the same day the Justice Department filed [a]…brief in the case,…[saying]: “…SAKS maintains that Ms. Jamal cannot prevail on a Title VII sex discrimination claim that is based on her gender identity, particularly her transgender status. Not so. Discrimination against an individual based on gender identity is discrimination because of sex.”…NCLR legal director…[said], “We applaud Saks for correcting its position and recognizing that it has a legal obligation to treat transgender workers equally…”