By: Najla Alexander
NJ authorities announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a proposed consent decree today to resolve its lawsuit against Roosevelt Care Centers (RCC) for violating Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said according to the complaint, which was filed in federal court on March 20, 2023, Roosevelt Care Centers unlawfully terminated a dietary worker whose disability inhibited her ability to lift objects heavier than 20 pounds.
Prior to her termination, officials say, the employee had been successfully working at RCC for approximately 18 years and remained able to perform the essential functions of her position.
Nonetheless, Roosevelt Care Centers terminated the dietary worker’s employment due to her disability without engaging in an interactive process to provide her with a reasonable accommodation, officials stated.
“Qualified individuals with disabilities must be given an equal opportunity to be part of the workforce,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said.
“This settlement reflects the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to ending discriminatory employment practices and protecting the civil rights of all employees under the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
Officials said under the terms of the consent decree, which must be approved by the court, RCC has agreed to pay $50,000 in compensation to the complainant.
Authorities say the settlement also requires RCC to train its staff on the ADA and to periodically submit reports about its compliance with the consent decree.
Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against a qualified individual on the basis of disability, according to officials.
Officials say an employer may not demote, terminate, or deny employment opportunities to an employee who is otherwise qualified if the demotion or termination is based on the need to make reasonable accommodations for the employee.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger created a Civil Rights Division with the sole focus on enforcing federal civil rights laws, including the ADA, with the goal of protecting and upholding the civil rights of those in our community, officials said.