In December, an all-male Iowa Supreme Court ruled 7-0 that firing someone for being “irresistibly attractive” was legal.
Melissa Nelson, a 32-year-old dental assistant, was fired by 52-year-old dentist, Dr. James Knight, after working for him for 10 years.
Knight claimed she was “irresistibly attractive” and a threat to his marriage. He thought Nelson’s tight clothing was distracting and sent her texts containing sexual innuendos. Nelson said she wore t-shirts and scrubs and never flirted with her boss.
Knight and Nelson are both married and have kids. When Knight’s wife found the text messages, she demanded he fire Nelson. Knight terminated Nelson and gave her one month’s severance. He told Nelson’s husband that he was getting too personally attached and feared he might try to start an affair with her.
The Court ruled the firing was not protected by the Iowa Civil Rights Act because it was motivated by feelings and emotions, not gender.
Responding to the ruling, Nelson’s attorney said:
These judges sent a message to Iowa women that they don’t think men can be held responsible for their sexual desires.
Knight’s attorney thought the ruling was a victory for family values because Knight fired Nelson in the interest of saving his marriage.
The ruling is likely final because the case cannot be taken to a higher court since it specifically challenged the Iowa Civil Rights Act.
Was the firing justified? Should it be illegal to discriminate based on physical appearance?