California Department of Human Resources to Pay $300,000 To Settle EEOC Disability Bias Charges

State Agency Failed to Comply With ADA, Federal Agency Charged

FRESNO, Calif. - The State of California Human Resources Department (CalHR) will settle a federal charge of disability discrimination by paying $300,000 to the victim and class members, along with other general relief, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today.

The charge made to the EEOC alleged that CalHR violated federal law when it failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during the hiring and medical review process. The EEOC investigated the allegations and found reasonable cause to believe that CalHR violated the ADA.

Without admitting liability, CalHR agreed to enter into a two-year conciliation agreement with the EEOC and the alleged victims. Aside from the monetary relief, CalHR agreed to appoint an equal employment opportunity (EEO) consultant, a medical consultant, and an EEO officer to revise its current medical evaluation policies. The revised policy would include a comprehensive reasonable accommodation policy and an appeals process, and effective training for all employees across California on the ADA. The EEOC will monitor compliance with this agreement.

"We commend CalHR for their commitment to the ADA and for putting in place measures that will have a positive impact on applicants and employees throughout California," said Melissa Barrios, director of the EEOC's Fresno Local Office. "We encourage other employers to follow the lead of CalHR and review their hiring policies and practices to make sure they are in compliance with federal law."

According to its website, www.calhr.ca.gov, CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention for the State of California.

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