The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Ball State in a case involving the definition of a supervisor in the workplace on Monday.
Maetta Vance, a former Ball State catering employee, appealed the case to the Supreme Court saying she was racially harassed by a supervisor and Ball State was liable.
The justices determined that in order for an individual to be considered a supervisor, that individual must have the ability to hire or fire people, confirming the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling from June 2011.
Tony Proudfoot, Ball State associate vice president for marketing and communications, said the university is pleased with the high court’s decision.
“Ball State is pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision today, which brings to a close a long and complex case,” Proudfoot said. “Ball State remains actively committed to diversity and maintaining a welcoming community for everyone.”
