Jennings v. Sallie Mae, Inc.

Jennings v. Sallie Mae, Inc. — Plain English Summary

What Happened

A worker at Sallie Mae filed a lawsuit claiming discrimination and harassment based on disability. The worker also alleged the company failed to accommodate their disability as required by law.

What the Court Decided

The court dismissed the entire case because the worker refused to participate in the discovery process—the standard legal procedure where both sides exchange information and evidence. Specifically, the worker declined to answer written questions, attend a deposition (a formal question-and-answer session), and provide access to disability records. The court imposed a $500 penalty and upheld the dismissal.

Why This Matters for Workers

This case demonstrates that workers pursuing employment discrimination claims must actively cooperate with the legal process. Simply filing a lawsuit isn't enough—you must respond to the employer's requests for information and participate in discovery. If you don't engage with these required procedures, courts can dismiss your case entirely, regardless of whether your discrimination claims had merit. Workers should understand that legal claims require ongoing participation and documentation.