Last month, a kindergarten student named Alex Barton was “voted out of his class” by his classmates. His teacher, Wendy Portillo, urged the children in the class to tell Barton, one-by-one, what they did not like about him, prior to organizing the vote. Barton lost, 14-2. Since the vote, Barton has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a type of autism, and with Attention Deficit Disorder. Portillo has been reassigned out of the classroom and into the district offices. Barton’s parents are contemplating taking legal action against the teacher, and the school district is conducting an investigation into the incident. This situation is a clear example of how disability discrimination can affect anyone, at any stage in life, and in any setting.
There are various laws enacted to help protect employees from such harassment and discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991. Each of these laws is designed to work toward future eradication of harassment and discrimination, and providing relief for those who are affected by it.
Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC dedicates itself to educating clients about their rights and responsibilities relating to discrimination, and to providing some relief for the suffering caused by such behavior. Whether you are the subject of harassment or discriminatory acts, or an employer or other individual charged with these claims, Leeds Morelli & Brown’s team of expert attorneys can advise you regarding your problem. Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC is viewed as a leader in civil rights law within the New York metropolitan area and Long Island. Harassment, and discrimination should not be tolerated in any environment today, and Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC is doing its part to ensure New Yorkers’ rights are protected. Please visit our website at www.lmblaw.com