On March 9, NELA, joined by NELP, filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in support of a grant of certiorari in Stanley v. City of Sanford, Florida. Karyn Stanley served for 20 years as a firefighter in Sanford, Florida, until taking disability retirement at the age of 47 due to Parkinsons Disease. Ms. Stanley sued, alleging that the city’s policy change (which ended her post-employment health benefits) discriminated against her on the basis of her disability under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lower court dismissed, and the 11th Circuit affirmed, holding that “a former employee who does not hold or desire to hold an employment position cannot sue over discriminatory post-employment benefits.” This holding is in clear contradiction to the jurisprudence in other circuits.
In supporting a grant of cert, the brief argues that “this case is ideal for addressing the issue because the question presented is narrow: the Court need only address whether former employees can sue under Title I of the ADA.” Post-retirement benefits are hugely important for workers when making decisions about their employment, and workers with disabilities must have clarity on when they can rely on the important protections of the ADA. We are grateful to Professor Michael Foreman and his Penn State Appellate Law Clinic for drafting the brief.
