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Press Release 09-23-2022

EEOC Sues Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. for Disability Discrimination

Helpdesk Technician Unlawfully Fired Because of Disability, Federal Agency Charges

BALTIMORE– Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. violated federal law when it discriminated against an employee because of disability, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit it announced today. 

According to EEOC’s lawsuit, the helpdesk technician, who was diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder, worked for Sinclair at an office located in Cockeysville, Maryland. After Sinclair learned of the technician’s disability, the company suspended and fired her.

Such alleged conduct violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits disability discrimination and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities unless it would cause undue hardship.  The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., Case No. 1:22-cv-02406) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.  The EEOC is seeking permanent injunctive relief prohibiting Sinclair from discriminating against employees because of disability in the future, lost wages, compensatory and punitive damages, and other relief.

“The EEOC is committed to enforcing the rights of people with disabilities under the ADA,” said EEOC District Director Jamie R. Williamson of the agency’s Philadelphia District.

Philadelphia District Office Regional Attorney Debra Lawrence said, “The ADA protects disabled workers from discrimination and employment decisions based on myth, fear, or stereotypes associated with disability.”

The EEOC’s Philadelphia District Office has jurisdiction over Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, and parts of New Jersey and Ohio. The legal staff of the EEOC also prosecutes discrimination cases in Washington, D.C. and parts of Virginia.

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information about disability discrimination is available at https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc-disability-related-resources. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.