Cherry Hill Employment Lawyers: Teacher Settles Pregnancy Discrimination Suit

A former teacher in Lakewood, New Jersey recently settled a lawsuit with the school district where she had been employed. The woman, who was 40 weeks pregnant with her first child, had been informed that she would not be offered employment for the upcoming school year. The school district’s decision not to rehire her was a violation of New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination, Cherry Hill employment lawyers affirm.

According to the lawsuit, school officials informed the pregnant woman that she had not demonstrated the ability to deliver high-quality instruction on a consistent basis. However, she maintains that there had never been an issue with her performance prior to her contract not being renewed while she was far along in her pregnancy.

The woman was hired as a substitute in the beginning of 2010, then promoted to a full time position a year later.

Pregnant Employees Are Considered Temporarily Disabled

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition. Employees who work for companies with 15 or more employees (including state and local governments) are protected by the act. All aspects of employment are covered, including hiring, firing, pay changes or differences, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, fringe benefits, and other terms or conditions of employment. Pregnant women are considered temporarily disabled, and employers are required to accommodate them as they would any other disabled employee.

Pregnancy discrimination involves treating a female employee or job applicant unfavorably on the basis of her pregnancy. Certain impairments relating to pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, may constitute disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and also afford effected employees with certain protections.

Pregnant employees may have additional rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which is enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor. Nursing mothers may also be entitled to certain protection guaranteed by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Cherry Hill Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Pursue Compensation for Victims of Pregnancy Discrimination

If you suspect that you have been discriminated against on the basis of your pregnancy status, you may be entitled to compensation. The respected Cherry Hill employment lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable for their unlawful conduct, and win you the compensation you deserve. To discuss your case, call us at 215-569-1999 or contact us online. We advocate for victims of pregnancy discrimination throughout South Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.