Final answer:
In the situation where a woman was demoted after ending a relationship with a supervisor and rebuffing him, an appeals court may view this as retaliation and rule it as illegal based on precedents such as Norton v. Macy and EEOC v. Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, enforcing laws that protect against workplace discrimination and harassment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario described where a woman ended a brief fling with a supervisor while on vacation and was then demoted after rebuffing him, the appeals court would likely examine the legality of the employer's actions. Considering legal precedents such as Norton v. Macy, which challenged discriminatory policies, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, where the Supreme Court ruled against employment discrimination based on religious practices, the court might rule that the woman was subjected to unfair treatment and possibly illegal retaliation in violation of laws protecting against workplace discrimination and harassment.
Historically, women have faced systemic challenges in the workforce, such as being dismissed for life events like marriage and childbirth, as well as discriminatory practices that limited their advancement beyond entry-level positions. Various laws have been passed to create a more equal balance of power between workers and employers, including protections against termination based on sexual orientation, gender, and pregnancy.
Given these precedents and legal protections, if a court were to find that the demotion was a form of retaliation or discrimination under employment laws that prevent harassment and ensure equal opportunity, the appeals court might rule in favor of the woman, affirming that the demotion was wrongful and discriminatory.