Probable Cause Found In South Jersey Disability Discrimination Cases: AG Bruck

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Evidence supports that two Burlington County women were treated unfairly based on medical disabilities, the New Jersey Attorney General found.

Two employees alleged separately that Mansfield Township School District and the Laurel Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, both in Burlington County, discriminated against them on the basis of disability.

A Mansfield Township science teacher said she was denied disability accommodation after she returned to work after she took leave to get treatment for cancer.

A Laurel Brook employee said she was unlawfully fired after taking medical leave for her depression and a surgery on her lung.

The Division of Civil Rights, a branch of the Attorney General's office, found probable cause that both employers violated New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination (LAD).

Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck's office announced the findings on Friday.

"A Finding of Probable Cause does not represent final adjudication of a case," Bruck's office explained. "Rather, it means DCR has concluded its preliminary investigation and determined there is sufficient evidence to support a reasonable suspicion the LAD has been violated."

Bruck said his office is committed to protecting New Jersey workers' rights in the workplace.