Toys R Us to pay $35k to deaf candidate over discrimination at Maryland store
5 November 2013
Toy retailers Toys R Us will pay $35k (£26k) to a deaf jobseeker who was not provided an interpreter for her interview, and eventually was turned down for the job.
Tue, 5 Nov 2013Toy retailers Toys R Us will pay $35k (£26k) to a deaf jobseeker who was not provided an interpreter for her interview, and eventually was turned down for the job.
US federal law enforcement agency the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that after Shakirra Thomas applied for a team member position at the company’s Columbia, Maryland store, she was told she would have to provide her own interpreter.
Thomas’ mother acted as the interpreter, but the firm did not hire Thomas even though she was qualified and able to perform the role.
EEOC district director Spencer H Lewis Jr says: "This settlement should remind all employers that … the ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] requires providing a reasonable accommodation to job applicants and employees who request one. Hiring decisions should be made based on an individual's qualifications and not because of a disability."
An EEOC attorney adds that the organisation is “pleased that Toys R US worked with us to resolve this lawsuit”.
Under the settlement agreement reached, Toys R Us will provide training on the ADA and relevant hiring matters to managers and supervisors at the Columbia store, as well as 24 others in Maryland and surrounding states.
US federal law enforcement agency the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that after Shakirra Thomas applied for a team member position at the company’s Columbia, Maryland store, she was told she would have to provide her own interpreter.
Thomas’ mother acted as the interpreter, but the firm did not hire Thomas even though she was qualified and able to perform the role.
EEOC district director Spencer H Lewis Jr says: "This settlement should remind all employers that … the ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] requires providing a reasonable accommodation to job applicants and employees who request one. Hiring decisions should be made based on an individual's qualifications and not because of a disability."
An EEOC attorney adds that the organisation is “pleased that Toys R US worked with us to resolve this lawsuit”.
Under the settlement agreement reached, Toys R Us will provide training on the ADA and relevant hiring matters to managers and supervisors at the Columbia store, as well as 24 others in Maryland and surrounding states.
