Age Bias

Re “Perilous Tilt on States’ Rights,” editorial, Jan. 17:

The Supreme Court’s decision to strip public employees of the right to sue in federal court under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act certainly poses additional burdens on public employees in states with weak protections. However, in 1997, the California Supreme Court elevated age discrimination to the same level as race and gender. This may well provide fresh opportunities for employees experiencing age discrimination in this state, since the state court now holds employers to a higher standard of compliance than under federal law.

The Los Angeles Community College District has steadfastly held to its view that, under federal law (ADEA), it was not engaged in age discrimination in lowering its life insurance coverage by 50% for its active employees over the age of 70. As the U.S. Supreme Court now relegates that matter to the states, it will be interesting to see whether the LACCD and other state entities will voluntarily abandon that discriminatory practice or burden the taxpayers with litigation.

SOL KAUFLER

Professor of Economics

Los Angeles Pierce College

Woodland Hills