Allegations of Disability Discrimination: A Case Against Atlantic Properties Management Corporation and Diversified Funding

Background:

In a recent legal development, Atlantic Properties Management Corporation and its affiliate, Diversified Funding, Inc., both prominent property management companies based in Boston, face alleged disability discrimination and retaliation. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against these companies, highlighting a troubling incident involving the withdrawal of a job offer from a woman diagnosed with breast cancer.

Allegations:

The lawsuit centers around the case of a woman who was offered a position as an executive administrative assistant to the president and vice president of both companies. Shortly after receiving the job offer, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. Despite her doctor confirming her ability to perform her job with some limited time off for treatment, the president rescinded her job offer without discussing it with the employee.

Key Takeaways:

The alleged actions by Atlantic Properties Management Corporation and Diversified Funding violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability and retaliation for requesting reasonable accommodations. After attempting to settle the matter through conciliation, the EEOC has taken legal action seeking back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and injunctive relief to prevent future discrimination.

Conclusion:

This case underscores the importance of adhering to anti-discrimination laws and providing reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. Employers must recognize and respect the rights of individuals facing health challenges and avoid making decisions based on stereotypes or misconceptions. By highlighting this issue, the EEOC aims to ensure that workplaces remain inclusive and supportive for all employees, particularly those navigating health-related obstacles.