Alleged Discriminatory Acts Did Not Have an “Impact” in New York—Therefore the Lawsuit Could Not Be Maintained Under the New York City and New York State Human Rights Law
The First Department determined a lawsuit based on alleged violations of New York State and New York City Human Rights Law could not be maintained because the defendants were out-of-state residents and because the discriminatory actions complained of took place outside the United States, despite plaintiff’s being employed in New York:
The State and City Human Rights Laws do not apply to acts of discrimination against New York residents committed outside their respective boundaries by foreign defendants … . In analyzing where the discrimination occurred, “courts look to the location of the impact of the offensive conduct” … . A non-New York City resident cannot avail him or herself of the protections of the City Human Rights Law unless he or she can demonstrate that the alleged discriminatory act had an impact within the City’s boundaries … . Although plaintiff does not reside in New York City, she resides within the state and is employed by the NBA which is based in New York City. However, the order on appeal addresses plaintiff’s claims against [defendants], none of which are residents of this state. Thus, the focus is on whether the actions these defendants are alleged to have committed had an impact within the respective boundaries of the City and State of New York, in order for the court to exercise jurisdiction over them. Plaintiff contends that the decision to reassign her and later reduce her responsibilities took place within the City boundaries and, therefore, her place of employment is where the impact of the alleged discriminatory acts occurred. However, it is the place where the impact of the alleged discriminatory conduct is felt that controls whether the Human Rights Laws apply, not where the decision is made … . This standard applies whether the claim is made under the City or State Human Rights Laws … . Without more, plaintiff’s mere employment in New York does not satisfy the “impact” requirement. Hardwick v Auriemma, 2014 NY Slip Op 02383, 1st Dept 4-8-14