Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. v. White

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. v. White (2006) is a U.S. Supreme Court case that clarified what counts as a retaliation under employment law. The Court ruled that if an employer punishes an employee for complaining about discrimination—such as firing, demoting, or reassignment—it’s considered retaliation, even if the retaliation doesn’t involve a detrimental change to the employee’s job or pay. The case emphasized that any action motivated by retaliation, regardless of its severity, can violate federal anti-discrimination laws. This decision broadened protections for workers who face retaliation after raising workplace concerns.