Updated
Updated · Bloomberg Law · Jul 2
First Circuit Revives Maricao Auditor's Section 1983 Bias Suit Over Denied Reappointment
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg Law · Jul 2

First Circuit Revives Maricao Auditor's Section 1983 Bias Suit Over Denied Reappointment

1 articles · Updated · Bloomberg Law · Jul 2

Summary

  • A First Circuit panel vacated summary judgment for Puerto Rico's Municipality of Maricao, reviving an internal auditor's political discrimination claims over her non-reappointment.
  • The court said the district judge erred by treating failure to hire or reappoint as not being an adverse employment action under Section 1983.
  • It also faulted the lower court for relying only on the job's legislative classification without deciding whether political affiliation was actually an appropriate requirement for the auditor post.
  • The plaintiff, affiliated with the New Progressive Party, alleges Maricao denied her reappointment because of her political ties, sending the case back for further proceedings.

Insights

How is a recent court ruling redefining the line between politics and public service jobs?
After this ruling, what government jobs can legally require a specific political affiliation?
Can a government auditor be independent if their job depends on the politicians they oversee?