TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) revealed today a Consent Order and Decree that resolves a complaint against Mercer County Community College for allegedly terminating an employee who had contracted COVID-19 rather than extending medical leave or enabling remote work.
Under the Consent Order, the College is mandated to reinstate the employee and compensate him $50,000 for lost wages, benefits, and pain and suffering. Mercer County Community College must also adjust its policies to be in line with the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). This includes engaging in an interactive process for employees requesting disability accommodations and acknowledging that leaves of absence might qualify as a reasonable legal accommodation.
In addition, Mercer County Community College must pay $10,000 to the DCR. The institution is also required to train its workforce on LAD compliance and submit regular reports to the DCR about accommodation requests they receive.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized the importance of the ruling, stating that under New Jersey law, those experiencing a serious illness or disability might have the right to accommodations that allow them to heal rather than facing termination for their inability to return to work.
Sundeep Iyer, Director of the Division on Civil Rights, noted that the robust protections against disability discrimination offered by the LAD remain a key priority for enforcement, especially during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.