EEOC SUES SINCLAIR FOR DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION

While the FCC looks to fine Sinclair for violating rules limiting commercial matter in children's programming, the EEOC is also suing Sinclair for violating federal law when it discriminated against an employee because of disability,

According to EEOC’s lawsuit, the helpdesk technician, who was diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder, worked for Sinclair at an office located in Cockeysville, Maryland. After Sinclair learned of the technician’s disability, the company suspended and fired her. 

Such alleged conduct violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits disability discrimination and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities unless it would cause undue hardship.  The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., Case No. 1:22-cv-02406) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process. 

The EEOC is seeking permanent injunctive relief prohibiting Sinclair from discriminating against employees because of disability in the future, lost wages, compensatory and punitive damages, and other relief. 

“The EEOC is committed to enforcing the rights of people with disabilities under the ADA,” said EEOC District Director Jamie R. Williamson of the agency’s Philadelphia District.