Opinion ID: 848723
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the background circumstances test

Text: The background circumstances test was created by the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit because the United States Supreme Court noted that the McDonnell Douglas factors have to be adjusted to fit varying factual scenarios and because strict application of the framework would eliminate all reverse discrimination claims. Parker, 652 F.2d at 1017. Under the background circumstances test a majority plaintiff claiming reverse discrimination can meet the first prong of establishing a prima facie case when background circumstances support the suspicion that the defendant is that unusual employer who discriminates against the majority. Id. at 220, 652 F.2d 1012. Generally, background circumstances can be shown by evidence indicating that the employer has some reason or inclination to discriminate against the majority or by evidence indicating that there is something suspect about the particular case, which raises an inference of discrimination. See Harding v. Gray, 9 F.3d 150 (D.C.Cir., 1993).