Archive for ADA

Federal Court Rules that Gender Dysphoria is a Disability Protected the ADA

On August 16, 2022, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Williams v. Kincaid that transgender people who experience gender dysphoria are protected from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Gender dysphoria is a “discomfort or distress that is caused by a discrepancy between a…

California Court Makes it Easier for Overweight Employees to Sue Their Employers

California law has not (yet) recognized weight as a protected category along with race, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, medical condition, and many others. However, more than 25 years ago, the California Supreme Court held that an overweight employee could qualify as a “disabled” under California’s Fair…

California Court Issues First-Ever Ruling Recognizing Associational Disability Discrimination

The California Court of Appeals has, for the first time ever, held that healthy employees without any disability — but who are “associated” with a disabled person who needs their assistance — are protected under California’s disability discrimination law.  Thus, as a result of this decision, California employers…

Medical Marijuana Use Not Protected by ADA

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in James v. City of Costa Mesa that an individual who is discriminated against because of his use of medical marijuana – even if lawful in his home state – has no claim under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act…