EEO News provides employment law case headlines on EEO cases it believes are significant. EEO News is not a substitute for legal research or an employment lawyer. EEOnews.com does not provide legal advice. To learn more about employment and labor laws, please contact an employment lawyer to answer your EEO legal questions.
The EEOC sued Federal Express alleging that a no beard policy discriminated against employees with a sincerely held religious conviction that prevents shaving. The matter was settled in a consent decree which requires exceptions to the policy for religious reasons and training.
Insulin-dependent diabetic applicants for positions which required driving were automatically disqualified because of a “genuine substantial risk.” The Fifth Circuit no longer tolerates this. An individualized assessment must be conducted.
An employee with a metal plate in his head was routinely called “platehead.” He sued for disability-based harassment after his discharge. The Eighth Circuit found that disability-based harassment is unlawful, but dismissed the case because the repeated comment was not severe and extreme.