The Michigan Supreme Court issued a reversal and remand order in *Timika Rayford v. American House Roseville I, LLC*, allowing claims of workplace discrimination and retaliation against a senior living facility operator to proceed. The case, decided July 31, 2024, after oral arguments in April, centers on allegations brought under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) and related employment law claims.

Timika Rayford, a certified nursing assistant, filed suit in Macomb Circuit Court against American House Roseville I, LLC, alleging multiple violations of workplace civil rights protections. Her complaint included claims for race-based harassment, sex- or gender-based harassment, retaliation, and hostile work environment under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in employment based on protected characteristics.

The case began when Rayford was hired by American House in February 2017 to work as a certified nursing assistant at the senior living facility. Approximately one week after beginning her employment, Rayford signed an "Employee Handbook Acknowledgment" containing a 180-day contractual limitations period for bringing employment-related claims.

The Michigan Supreme Court's reversal means the case will return to the trial court for further proceedings, where Rayford's claims can be adjudicated on their merits. The remand allows the lower court to reconsider the case in light of the Supreme Court's interpretation of applicable law. This development may influence how similar contractual limitations periods in employee handbooks are evaluated in future Michigan employment discrimination cases, though the ultimate impact will depend on how lower courts apply the Supreme Court's guidance in subsequent litigation.