Discrimination Suit Filed on Behalf of Transgender Woman In NH
GLAD Files Employment Discrimination Suit on Behalf of Transgender Woman In New Hampshire
On behalf of Sarah Blanchette, a male-to-female transgender person, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) has filed a lawsuit against St. Anselm College of Manchester, New Hampshire. The college fired Ms. Blanchette, a computer programmer, in April 2004, after learning that she would be transitioning from male to female.
Ms. Blanchette was born biologically male and was known as Robert Blanchette. She was diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a recognized medical condition, and began a course of treatment under accepted standards of care devised by medical experts. In March 2004, she informed her superiors that she would return from a two-week vacation presenting herself as female.
St. Anselm College then fired her, stating in a letter dated April 14, 2004, “As you know, you recently disclosed to senior college administration your transsexual status. Upon consideration, you are immediately relieved of your duties…”
Ms. Blanchette filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in July 2004. On March 11, 2005, the EEOC issued a “Notice of Right to Sue” entitling the plaintiff to file a discrimination complaint. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court on May 26, 2005. This case continues GLAD’s efforts to establish strong legal protections against discrimination for transgender persons throughout New England.
GLAD’s co-counsel in the case is Jon Meyer of Backus, Meyer, Solomon & Branch in Manchester.
Related Links
Read the complaint [PDF] [1.2 MB]
Learn more about the medical standards of care for treating gender identity disorder.
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Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England's leading legal organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.