Opinion ID: 2544339
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Differential treatment for similar conduct

Text: Second, Gonsalves contends that Nissan discriminated against him on the basis of sex in that he was treated differently than others in the work place who engaged in similar conduct. The central focus of the inquiry in [an employment discrimination case] is always whether the employer is treating `some people less favorably than others because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.' Furukawa, 85 Hawai`i at 13, 936 P.2d at 649 (citations omitted). Here, Gonsalves is claiming discrimination on the basis of sex and must therefore demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that there was discrimination on the basis of sex. Id. at 12, 936 P.2d at 648. Yet, Gonsalves cited instances where male employees made comments sexual in nature to female employees, or touched female employees inappropriately, and were not disciplined. Indeed, Gonsalves's evidence actually indicates that male employees may have been treated leniently. Thus, Gonsalves's allegations of inconsistent treatment are not based on sex and are therefore irrelevant to a sex discrimination claim. Accordingly, Gonsalves does not state a cognizable claim of sex discrimination based on differential treatment for similar conduct.