KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleges that Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services violated federal law for discharging one employee and failing to hire another because of age.
According to the EEOC's lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital, run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The EEOC alleges that a much younger applicant was chosen for a position at the hospital over a 56-year old qualified applicant who was recommended by an interview panel. The director who hired the younger applicant cited a preference for younger workers, the EEOC said.
The EEOC also alleges the same supervisor gave a 60-year old worker less desirable assignments and scrutinized her work more closely than her co-workers, subsequently causing her to retire.
"Denying hire to an applicant because of age and forcing an employee to quit because of age are unlawful acts," Detroit Field Office trial attorney Dale Price said in a statement.
The EEOC seeks injunctive relief to prohibit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services from further discrimination against employees due to age and is seeking back pay and liquidated damages.