Recent trends have seen the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) significantly bolster its scrutiny on workplace discrimination, particularly on the front of disability discrimination. As advocates for those who face injustice, Lieb at Law, P.C. delves into these trends and urges those affected to seek their rightful legal recourse.
The EEOC’s Stand
The EEOC's resolve to combat disability discrimination has been noticeably robust. In its recently concluded fiscal year, the EEOC filed a staggering 144 lawsuits, a 55% increase from the previous year. Of these, 48 lawsuits were laser-focused on disability discrimination. That's a 77% rise from the 27 filed in the fiscal year of 2022. To be clear, this is in addition to the countless number of private lawsuits in federal and state courts throughout the country plus all of the administrative claims resolved at places like state / county / city divisions of human rights.
Other Discrimination Categories
While disability discrimination took center stage, the EEOC has also been active in pursuing cases involving retaliation, race, and religion discrimination. This underscores the broader drive to ensure fair treatment for all, regardless of one's personal attributes or beliefs.
Notable Cases
A recent case that highlights this mounting concern involved Alliance Ground International, a cargo logistics company based in Chicago. The EEOC alleges the company discriminated against a deaf individual, refusing him employment. In another case, the EEOC sued Union Pacific Railroad for terminating employees they considered "color vision deficient." These are but a few examples among many, revealing a troubling pattern of discrimination.
Mental Health: An Emerging Concern
Adding to the spectrum of disability discrimination, the EEOC has started to spotlight employers who fail to accommodate mental impairments. Recent cases have encompassed issues related to autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Complexities of the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a lifeline for many. However, its complexity can often be a double-edged sword. On one side, it offers protection to the disabled, but on the other, its intricacies can lead employers astray, sometimes unintentionally.
A Growing Regulatory Landscape
With the EEOC's budget set to grow by $26 million in the upcoming fiscal year, their vigilance is only expected to intensify. Topics like racial justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and systemic discrimination are likely to gain even more prominence.
Your Right to Fair Treatment
No one should suffer discrimination in silence. The numbers and the cases are clear indicators that disability discrimination is an alarming concern that needs addressing. If you or someone you know has faced discrimination of any form, it's crucial to understand your rights and take action.
Lieb at Law, P.C.: Advocates Against Discrimination
At Lieb at Law, we stand steadfast in our mission to support and represent those who've been discriminated against. Armed with expertise, experience, and a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding the ADA, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Have you faced discrimination? Don't suffer in silence. Reach out to Lieb at Law, P.C. today, and let us champion your cause.
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