Second Circuit Establishes Higher Burden for § 1983 Claims in Partially Dismissing Former Basketball Coach’s Discrimination Suit

By Tori Harrison, of Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP   In deciding an appeal from New York’s Northern District Court, the Second Circuit made two notable rulings that could have a striking impact on employment discrimination jurisprudence. First, the Circuit Court articulated a heightened causation standard for claims asserted under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Second, the Circuit Court left the door open to potential claims for sexual orientation discrimination in public employment after the re