The inference arises where the decisionmaker who hired an employee within the protected class later terminated them. Courts treat it as permissive evidence rather than a presumption.
The inference weakens as the interval lengthens.
Alternative Names:
Same Actor Doctrine|Same Hirer-Firer Inference
Why it Matters?
The inference is strongest where the interval is short, since a manager who hired an employee knowing their protected status is unlikely to have developed animus within months. Extended periods weaken it because circumstances and relationships change. Courts describe it as permissive rather than mandatory, which means it supports summary judgment argument without compelling any particular finding.
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Related terms
Frequently asked questions
When is the inference strongest?
Is the inference binding?
