Ohio Company to Pay $23K Over Disability Discrimination Suit

Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., a Columbus, Ohio-based telecommunications company, resolved a charge of disability discrimination filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency’s Cleveland Field Office announced.

During the EEOC’s investigation, the agency found that Pearl Interactive Network discriminated against an employee when it denied her a reasonable accommodation, unlawfully placed her on unpaid leave due to her disability, and improperly disclosed her medical information. Such alleged conduct violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Following a reasonable-cause finding after the investigation, the EEOC, Pearl Interactive Network and the employee engaged in pre-litigation conciliation, which resulted in a conciliation agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will pay the employee $3,212 in back pay and interest, as well as $20,000 in compensatory damages. The company also agreed to provide a neutral job reference for the employee.

The agreement also includes substantial injunctive relief measures. Pearl Interactive Network will conduct comprehensive ADA training for managerial and human resources employees, focusing on the interactive process for accommodation requests.

Additionally, the company will review and redistribute its anti-discrimination policy to all employees, emphasizing the confidentiality of medical information, its accommodation processes, and its procedure for reporting complaints of alleged discrimination. Furthermore, the company will post a notice informing employees of their rights in prominent and accessible places on all bulletin boards where notices to employees are customarily maintained.

Source: EEOC

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