Melissa Nelson v. James H. Knight DDS, P.C. and James Knight

I concur in the majority opinion, but write separately to further explain the basis and rationale for the decision. Melissa Nelson set forth a claim for sex discrimination recognized by law, but the facts of the case did not establish the claim.

Our state and federal civil rights laws were enacted to eradicate various forms of discrimination from society. These laws prohibit employment discrimination based on numerous grounds, including discrimination “because of ... sex.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a)(l) (2006); Iowa Code § 216.6(l)(a) (2009). The primary purpose of this law has been to ensure that…