What must a plaintiff demonstrate to establish a prima facie case under the ADEA?

To establish a prima facie case under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), a plaintiff must demonstrate that they are a member of a protected age group and are qualified for the position. This means that the individual must be aged 40 or older, as the ADEA specifically protects employees in this age group from discrimination based on age in the workplace. Additionally, the plaintiff needs to show that they possess the qualifications necessary for the job in question, which underscores that age should not negatively impact their ability to perform effectively in that role.

This requirement highlights the focus of the ADEA on protecting older workers who may face biases that suggest they are less capable or relevant in the workforce merely due to their age. Establishing these two elements is critical for a plaintiff to create a basis for claiming that age discrimination occurred in the employment decision in question.