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Press Release

Justice Department Sues Richmond City Sheriff’s Office in Richmond, Virginia, for Disability Discrimination

For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today alleging that the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office in Richmond, Virginia, fired a former deputy sheriff after failing to reassign her to a vacant position for which she was qualified, in violation of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The employee, who had worked as a deputy for approximately 10 years, asked to be reassigned to an available civilian position after a heart condition rendered her unable to continue as a deputy.

Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of disability in various aspects of employment.  These prohibitions include failing to provide reasonable accommodations, including reassignment, where such an accommodation does not pose an undue hardship to the employer.

“The ADA guarantees people with disabilities the right to earn a living and advance their careers free from workplace discrimination,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the ADA and ensure that when employees develop disabilities that interfere with their job, employers reassign them to a different vacant position that matches their qualifications.”

“Employment is a vital part of life for all individuals and the ADA ensures that qualified individuals who develop disabilities are able to stay employed,” said U.S. Attorney Dana J Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia.

Those interested in finding out more about the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.

The complaint can be found at the following link: Richmond City Sheriff’s Office.

Updated March 2, 2016

Topic
Civil Rights
Press Release Number: 16-243