On June 30, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sued arts-and-crafts retailer Hobby Lobby for refusing to reasonably accommodate and then firing an employee with mental health problems who requested the use of a service dog.
The EEOC alleges Hobby Lobby violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is seeking back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and reinstatement for the employee.
“Millions of Americans are successful, productive workers despite having mental health conditions that can be debilitating,” Andrea G. Baran, regional attorney for the EEOC’s St. Louis District Office, said in a statement. “The ADA ensures equal employment opportunity for these individuals, including those who are assisted by service animals.”
