Thurdin v. SEI--Limiting Sexual Harassment Claims

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

The issue is whether a defendant employer with fewer than six employees may be sued for alleged gender discrimination under Massachusetts law where the Massachusetts employment discrimination statute, Mass. G.L. c. 151B, defines "employer" as excluding an "employer with fewer than six persons."   Allowing claims against very small employers would significantly harm small businesses Massachusetts.

Status: DECIDED. The court sided with the employee.