Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Resources for Human Development, Inc.

**EEOC v. Resources for Human Development: Severe Obesity Discrimination Case** This case involved a woman named Harrison who worked for Resources for Human Development, Inc. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sued the company on behalf of Harrison's estate, claiming the employer illegally discriminated against her because of her severe obesity and failed to provide reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The court ruled in favor of the EEOC, allowing the case to move forward to trial. The judge rejected the employer's request to dismiss the case, finding that severe obesity can qualify as a disability under the ADA. The court determined there were enough factual questions about whether the company viewed Harrison as disabled and fired her because of that perception to warrant a full trial. This decision matters for workers because it confirms that severe obesity can be protected under federal disability law. Employees with severe obesity may be entitled to reasonable workplace accommodations and protection from discrimination. Employers cannot legally fire someone simply because they perceive that person as disabled due to their weight. This ruling strengthens protections for workers facing weight-based discrimination in the workplace.