Westlawn Pediatric Center advertised a job opening for a pediatric nurse practitioner. Richard and Valerie, both of whom are licensed pediatric nurse practitioners and both of whom met the published qualifications for the job, applied for the position. Westlawn hired Valerie over Richard because "women are more nurturing." No verbal agreement was made between Westlawn and Valerie about the duration of her employment. Valerie performs well at her new job and receives glowing performance reviews.
If Valerie is injured on the job, under what circumstances must Westlawn compensate her?
What legal regulations must Westlawn meet with regard to workplace conditions, wages, and benefits?
What criteria are permissible for employers to use in making hiring, firing, and promotion decisions? Was it legal for Westlawn to refuse to hire Richard on the basis of a stereotype?
Does the fact that Valerie is doing a good job mean that she cannot legally be fired?
Under what circumstances would Westlawn have the right to monitor Valerie's communications or require a search or drug test?
Would it be ethical for Westlawn to monitor its employees' e-mail without giving them prior notice?
