ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced a court ruling against Grisham Farm Products Inc. for allegations of violating two federal laws when it required job applicants to fill out a health history form before being considered for a job.
Phillip Sullivan purportedly applied for a job with the company and was told he would not be considered if he did not fully complete and submit a three-page health history form. Alleged conduct of this nature violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
"The quick judgment in this matter affirms that Americans with Disabilities Act and Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act are important and powerful tools to protect both employees and job applicants from unlawful discrimination," said James R. Neely, Jr., director of EEOC's St. Louis District Office.
Grisham Farm will pay Sullivan $10,000 and implement policies and practices to prevent future discrimination.
"We are extremely pleased this lawsuit was resolved in three short months, with the court holding that companies cannot require applicants to reveal their health history prior to receiving a job offer,” said Andrea G. Baran, EEOC's regional attorney in St. Louis. “Employers need to realize EEOC will vigorously challenge this discriminatory practice which both discourages some individuals, like Mr. Sullivan, from applying, and allows employers to consider illegal factors in their employment decisions."