FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eric Sanders, Esq., of The Sanders Firm, P.C., has announced that NYPD police officer, Paris V. Rious, filed a charge of discrimination with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] against the police department of the City of New York. Rious alleges caregiver discrimination and retaliation
NEW YORK – December 09, 2023 – In the Charge of Discrimination, Rious contends that there is a blatant and ongoing pattern of discriminatory conduct among department management related to their handling of her role as caregiver. Notably, the department supervisors failed to advise her of assistance available and were unwilling to make reasonable adjustments to her work schedule to support her caregiver status as the sole and direct care provider for her mother.
Further, Rious claims she faced retaliation by supervisors including the Commanding Officer and Training Sergeant by having her work hours and assignments intentionally changed with little to no advanced notice knowing that such changes would interfere with her caregiving responsibilities. Rious further claims she was also unnecessarily referred to Psychological Services, rather than being directed to the appropriate available support services when she shared the mental, physical and logistical challenges of being a primary caregiver while employed, similar to what other individuals would typically experience in the same situation.
After exhausting her own vacation time, Rious claims with no choice, she applied to use her legal rights under the Family Medical Leave Act [FMLA] to be able to adequately care for her mother.
“The department treated Officer Rious atrociously and without even a modicum of the empathy it’s reasonable to expect from an employer, especially within an organization whose motto is “Fidelis Ad Mortem” or “Faithful Unto Death,” said Eric Sanders.
Rious alleges that she was clearly treated less favorably than other police officers requiring leave, beginning in the Summer of 2021; however, she did not file complaints with the Office of Equity and Inclusion [OEI] alleging disability discrimination, FMLA retaliation and related legal claims for fear of additional retaliation.
Sanders adds, “The role of caregiver can be complex and extremely challenging, especially when related to a close family member. That’s why there are laws in place to protect caregivers and ensure that employers make reasonable accommodations to support their employee caregivers. The department must be held accountable for its breach of this legal obligation.”
The Charge of Discrimination [Charge No.: 520-2024-01625] was filed with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on December 9, 2023.
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New York Civil Rights Lawyer Eric Sanders, Esq., of The Sanders Firm, P.C., has a proven track record of fighting injustice and discrimination. With over 19 years of experience, Mr. Sanders has successfully litigated civil rights cases involving law enforcement agencies. The firm holds these institutions accountable and pushes for meaningful reforms to promote equal opportunity. Over the years, Mr. Sanders has secured millions of dollars in compensatory damages for clients alleging discrimination and other violations of civil rights.
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