Federal lawsuit accuses Franklin County Jail of discriminating against disabled officer
The United States is suing Franklin County Jail, saying it discriminated against an employee with Lyme disease.
The U.S. District Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit accusing the jail of violating Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The jail, which is overseen by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, unlawfully terminated a correctional officer by not providing accommodations related to her Lyme disease symptoms, according to the lawsuit that is described in a news release from the U.S. district attorney's office.
The alleged violation happened during the employee's probationary period shortly after being hired. Facing challenges related to walking, standing, concentrating and sleeping due to the disease, the worker asked for an exception to the jail's policy allowing probationary employees to have two unscheduled absences.
Despite previously accommodating the employee, the jail denied the request and later fired the officer based on the attendance policy, according to the release.
“Employers must make reasonable accommodations so that employees with disabilities can earn a living,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam. “Lyme Disease creates debilitating health issues for numerous Pennsylvanians yearly, and employers should find reasonable solutions to allow employees with any kind of disability to work and not terminate them because of that disability. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to enforce civil rights laws andensure equal employment opportunities for all.”
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Franklin County is aware of the complaint but has not yet reviewed it, communications coordinator Sheen Baker said. The county does not comment on pending litigation.
What is Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act?
Title I prohibits employers from discriminating against a disabled person in regard to hiring, advancement, termination, compensation and other conditions of employment.
Employers are prohibited from terminating, demoting or denying employment to a person who is qualified for the opportunity if the action is based on needing to make reasonable accommodations for an employee.
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The U.S. Employment Opportunity Commission in Philadelphia ruled against the county jail, saying it violated the ADA, and referred the matter to the Department of Justice.
Amber South can be reached at asouth@publicopinionnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Feds: Franklin Co. Jail violated ADA to fire worker with Lyme disease
