Opinion ID: 885589
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Denied Employment Because of His Membership in a Protected Class

Text: ¶ 21 Finally, Ben must show that he was denied continued employment at Vortex under circumstances which raise a reasonable inference that Ben was treated differently because of his membership in a protected class. Rule 24.9.610(2)(a)(iii), ARM. Examples of such evidence may include any proof that there is a causal connection between Vortex's adverse action and Ben's membership in the protected class. Rule 24.9.610(2)(b)(v), ARM. Although Vortex contends there is no evidence in the record to support that Ben Foss was terminated because of his marital status, we disagree. Ben testified at the administrative hearing that the only reason he left his employment was because he was about to be fired when he married LaChelle. There is no other apparent reason why Ben would have left his job, but for his belief that he would soon be fired. Because of his membership in the protected class, he was denied further employment with Vortex. The Vortex policy, in effect, gave Ben a choice between his job and his marriage. The record supports the finding and conclusion that Ben proved a prima facie case of employment discrimination.