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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Houston ISD sued for disability discrimination over HIV status

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A Harris County man is suing over claims he was the victim of disability discrimination in employment by Houston Independent School District.


Lawson Kelley II filed a lawsuit June 10 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Houston Independent School District, citing disability discrimination. 


According to the complaint, Kelley was hired by the Houston Independent School District on Sept. 17, 2012, and the defendant received an accommodation request regarding the plaintiff's HIV status, a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, on Nov. 13, 2012.


Kelley says accommodation was not made, and though he was moved to work for a short time as a bus attendant, he contracted influenza and ringworm, due to his weakened immune system, which made the transfer ineffective under the ADA.


Kelley also says he continually attempted to contact district officials regarding the accommodation and applied for numerous positions for which he qualified, but was denied each one despite their remaining vacant for months after. The defendant is accused of disability discrimination.


Kelley is seeking damages, reinstatement, lost wages, lost benefits, costs of court and an injunction barring the defendant from violating the ADA.


Kelley is appearing pro se.


Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case No. 4:14-cv-01617



This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.

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