Keller v. Niskayuna Consolidated Fire District 1

**The Dispute** Keller sued the Niskayuna Consolidated Fire District 1, claiming sex discrimination in violation of Title VII, a federal law that prohibits workplace discrimination based on gender, race, religion, and other protected characteristics. **The Court's Decision** The court dismissed Keller's discrimination lawsuit entirely. The judge ruled that the fire district was too small to be covered by Title VII. Federal anti-discrimination laws only apply to employers who have 15 or more employees, and the court found that this fire district did not meet that threshold. Because the employer was below the minimum size requirement, the court said it had no authority to hear the case at all. **What This Means for Workers** This ruling highlights an important limitation in federal employment discrimination protections. Workers employed by very small organizations (fewer than 15 employees) cannot use Title VII to fight discrimination in federal court. However, workers should know that some state laws provide broader protections and may cover smaller employers. If you face discrimination at a small workplace, check your state's anti-discrimination laws or consult with an employment attorney, as you may still have legal options under state law even when federal law doesn't apply.