A legal battle has erupted in the Western District of Louisiana, where a workforce program coordinator is taking her employer to court over allegations of discrimination and retaliation. Linda Lafever filed a complaint on September 23, 2024, against Sharon Neal, the Executive Director of the Rapides Parish Police Jury Office of Workforce Development, claiming violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
The lawsuit paints a picture of a workplace rife with alleged discriminatory practices. According to Lafever's attorney, Natalie Blackmon, Lafever has been employed by the Rapides Parish Police Jury Office since July 2019. During her tenure, she claims to have suffered from various disabilities that significantly impacted her daily activities—specifically walking and standing for extended periods due to injuries such as a shattered kneecap and broken wrist. Despite these challenges, Lafever alleges that her requests for reasonable accommodations were consistently denied by Neal.
In June 2023, Lafever escalated her grievances by filing an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) claim citing FMLA interference and disability discrimination. She accuses Neal of dismissing her injuries with air quotes and labeling her medical leave as "inconvenient." The complaint further details how Neal allegedly refused Lafever's accommodation requests via text messages without engaging in any interactive process required under ADA guidelines.
Following the EEO complaint, Lafever asserts that Neal's retaliatory behavior intensified. The allegations include being assigned additional duties outside her job scope, facing disciplinary actions unjustly, having emails deleted, and experiencing reduced lunch breaks. Furthermore, she claims that Neal removed her access to security codes and keys necessary for building entry.
Lafever is seeking declaratory judgment from the court to acknowledge these acts as violations of ADA and FMLA laws. Additionally, she seeks injunctive relief to prevent further discriminatory actions by the defendants. In terms of monetary compensation, Lafever is pursuing back pay for lost wages during unpaid leave periods mandated by Neal’s directives when accommodations were not provided. She also seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by these alleged unlawful practices.
The case underscores significant legal questions about workplace rights concerning disability accommodations and protections against retaliation under federal law. As this case unfolds in courtrooms presided over by unnamed judges within Louisiana’s jurisdictional boundaries—where it was filed—it could set precedents impacting similar future disputes across various sectors nationwide.
Representing Linda Lafever is attorney Natalie Blackmon from Baton Rouge-based law firm; however specific details regarding defense counsel remain undisclosed at this stage alongside judicial assignments related directly towards handling proceedings associated with Case ID: 1:24-cv-1292.