EEOC Files Discrimination Charges against Target

August 25, 2009

Santa Ana, California - The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Thursday filed a discrimination lawsuit against Target Stores Inc. based on allegations that the retailer failed to provide reasonable accommodations to a worker with cerebral palsy.

In a court-affidavit filed before a US District Court in Santa Ana, Jeremy Schott, who has a medical condition that affects his muscles and motor skills, said the company reduced his working hours due to his medical condition.

Anna Park, a lawyer from the EEOC, said Target hired Schott with a full knowledge of his condition and disability.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act Of 2008, employers should provide reasonable accommodations to disabled workers which include installing railings, wheelchair ramps, and other fixtures to help them work easily, reassignment to less physically demanding tasks, and other adjustments.

The retailer was contacted on Monday afternoon but did not return a call.