Facts

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed suit against Safeway Inc. in relation to disability discrimination in its hiring practices.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that Safeway's in-store hiring recruiter discriminated against potential employee, Joel Sibert. Sibert who was deaf requested an interpreter during an interview. However, he contended he was shut down by the recruiter in regards to his request. Additionally, plaintiff contended that Safeway hired several hearing individuals to fill the vacant positions.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Safeway denied liability, and claimed that Safeway's Human Resources attempted to contact Sibert and offer to provide an interpreter. Safeway contended it has strong policies prohibiting disability discrimination and a long history of hiring and promoting the disabled, including those hard of hearing.

Result

Defendant agreed to pay $75,000 in damages for emotional distress to Sibert and agreed to make significant changes to its policies and hiring practices to resolve disability discrimination.