The Washington Unified School District in Fresno, California, has reached a settlement following accusations of age discrimination against a former teacher. The case began when the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a charge in April 2022, claiming that the district fired a 65-year-old math teacher because of her age and disability.
According to the EEOC, the teacher was not given reasonable accommodations and faced different working conditions compared to her colleagues. After investigating the claims, the EEOC found sufficient evidence suggesting that the school district violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
In response to the allegations, the Washington Unified School District agreed to a conciliation deal with the EEOC. Although the district did not admit to any wrongdoing, they will pay the teacher $17,000 as part of the settlement. Additionally, the district will provide her with a neutral letter of reference and will conduct training for supervisors and managers on the ADEA and how to handle complaints effectively.
To ensure transparency, the school district will also post a notice for all employees about this resolution and inform them of their rights under federal anti-discrimination laws. This case highlights the importance of fair treatment in the workplace, especially for older employees.