Newar Law Wins Major Victory For Disabled Employees

On May 16, 2025, Newar Law won a major victory for disabled employees. In Alisha Strife v. Aldine Independent School District, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that employers violate the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Texas’ employment discrimination law by unreasonably delaying acting on an employee’s request for reasonable accommodation of his/her disability and, as a result, forcing the employee to work under “suboptimal conditions.” The court also ruled that employers violate those laws by not acting in “good faith” in responding to an employee’s request for reasonable accommodation of his/her disability. The court further ruled—for the first time—that employers violate the ADA’s non-“interference” provision by acting in a manner that interferes with an employee’s attempted “exercise or enjoyment” of his/her ADA rights, including, for example, failing to provide the employee with the necessary forms to request disability accommodations.

The Fifth Circuit’s decision in Strife (attached) significantly expands the protection of disabled employees’ rights in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

For further information on Strife or to request legal assistance with violations of the ADA and other employment laws, please contact us.