Court to consider time limits for bias claims

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will consider a dispute over the time limits for filing certain claims of employment discrimination.

The justices recently agreed to hear an appeal from a former Colorado postmaster who says the U.S. Postal Service retaliated against him after he claimed he was passed over for a promotion because he is black.

Marvin Green filed a lawsuit alleging “constructive discharge,” meaning conditions were so intolerable he was forced out. A federal district court ruled that his lawsuit was too late because it was filed more than 45 days after last act of alleged misconduct occurred. A federal appeals court agreed.

Green argues the 45-day time period began running when he resigned.

The Supreme Court will resolve a split among lower courts over when the clock starts running.