Pete’s Deer Park Barber Shop Inc. and Owner Peter Caliendo Sued for Race/Color Discrimination
March 13, 2025
In today’s rapidly changing political environment, employees from marginalized communities face increasing challenges in the workplace. Recent executive orders targeting race and gender policies, coupled with ongoing discrimination cases, highlight the critical importance of legal advocacy for workplace rights.
At The Law Office of David H. Rosenberg, PC, we’ve been at the forefront of this battle, representing clients in important transgender discrimination cases while closely monitoring policy changes that affect employee protections.
Understanding Trump’s Executive Order on Race and Gender
President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on race and gender has sent shockwaves through educational institutions and workplaces across the country. The order, which targets what it calls “radical indoctrination,” threatens to withhold federal funding from schools that support students in gender transitions or teach about systemic racism in American society.
The implications extend beyond schools into workplaces, creating uncertainty about employer obligations regarding transgender employees and diversity initiatives. Many legal experts question whether the order is enforceable, given existing state and federal protections against discrimination. The chilling effect on inclusive policies is already being felt.
In New York City, parents and educators have complained about the lack of a strong, systemwide response from educational leaders. This hesitation mirrors what we often see in employment settings, where organizations may be reluctant to take a firm stance on protecting vulnerable employees when faced with conflicting political pressures.
Real-World Impact: Transgender Discrimination Cases in New York
The following cases significant cases handled by The Law Office of David H. Rosenberg, PC, illustrate the real-world consequences of inadequate protections for transgendered students and employees:
Brooklyn High School Bullying Case
Our firm represented a transgender student who faced relentless bullying and harassment at a Brooklyn high school. After reporting the discrimination, as reported in the New York Post, “…school administrators failed to intervene despite repeated complaints, allowing the hostile environment to escalate to physical assault.”
This case shows how institutions can be held legally accountable for failing to protect students from discrimination and harassment based on gender identity.
Charter Communications Employment Discrimination
In this transgendered employment discrimination case that the Firm also handled, a transitioning employee was terminated on account of gender identity. As featured in the NY Daily News, “[Complainant], after making the request about coming to work under the guidelines for female workers, was instead forced to wear men’s clothes to the office between April 16 and 25, according to the complaint.”
Indeed, this case exemplifies the challenges transgender employees face in the workplace, such as being forced to endure a hostile work environment with gender-discriminatory dress codes or other requirements that violate employees’ dignity and rights.
In these transgendered discrimination cases, The Law Office of David H. Rosenberg, PC vigorously fought for the rights of its clients who were treated less well on account of gender identity under New York law.
Legal Protections for Transgender Employees in New York
Despite shifting federal policies, transgender employees in New York maintain significant legal protections:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: The Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) established that discrimination based on gender identity constitutes sex discrimination under federal law.
- New York State Human Rights Law: New York explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or expression in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
- New York City Human Rights Law: The city’s protections go even further, providing some of the strongest safeguards for LGBTQ+ individuals in the nation.
These overlapping protections mean that even if federal policies shift, New York employees maintain robust legal recourse against discrimination. Many cases of employment discrimination related to gender identity lead to positive outcomes for employees when they have experienced legal representation.
The Critical Role of Employment Lawyers in Advocacy
When facing discrimination, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. At The Law Office of David H. Rosenberg, PC, we bring several unique advantages to transgender discrimination cases:
- Direct attorney involvement: Unlike large firms where cases may be delegated to junior associates, David H. Rosenberg personally handles every aspect of your case.
- Specialized expertise: With extensive experience in LGBT employment discrimination and hostile work environment claims, we understand the nuanced legal and personal challenges facing transgender employees.
- Proven track record: Our firm has successfully represented numerous clients in high-profile discrimination cases, as evidenced by our media coverage in outlets like the NY Daily News and NY Post.
- Geographic coverage: Our New York service area includes Nassau, Suffolk, New York, Kings (Brooklyn), and Bronx Counties, including Long Island towns such as Melville, Lynbrook, Manhasset, and Mineola.
Taking Action Against Discrimination
If you’re experiencing workplace discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or any protected characteristic, consider these steps:
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, witnesses, and any relevant communications.
- Know your company policies: Review your employee handbook for anti-discrimination policies and reporting procedures.
- Report internally: Follow your company’s procedures for reporting discrimination, if you feel safe doing so.
- Consult with an employment attorney: Before making major decisions about your employment, speak with an experienced employment lawyer who can advise you on your rights and options.
- File a complaint: If necessary, file a complaint with the appropriate agency, such as the New York State Division of Human Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Standing Firm Against Discrimination
As policies shift at the federal level, the importance of strong legal advocacy for employee rights becomes even more critical. The Law Office of David H. Rosenberg, PC remains committed to fighting for workplace equality and justice, regardless of political headwinds.
Our experience representing clients in New York transgender discrimination cases has reinforced our dedication to this cause. We understand that behind every case is a real person whose dignity, livelihood, and well-being are at stake.
If you’re facing discrimination in the workplace, remember that you have rights and you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Contact The Law Office of David H. Rosenberg, PC at 516-741-0300 for a confidential consultation. With our personal attention and proven expertise in employment law, we’ll help you navigate these complex issues and fight for the justice you deserve.
After all, our motto says it best: “Problems at work are no problem for us.”
The information and allegations cited to herein comes directly from publicly filed documentation and are meant as a means of attorney advertising.
