Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Madeleine Baran
St. Paul, Minn.

Rochester retailer settles discimination suit

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reached a $35,000 settlement with Hobby Lobby, an Oklahoma-based retail chain, in response to allegations that the employer discriminated against a disabled worker at its Rochester store.

The EEOC alleged that Hobby Lobby, an arts and crafts store, prohibited employee Julie Tufts from using her wheelchair at work and failed to accommodate her inability to climb ladders.

Tufts needed to use a wheelchair for about a year, and had to leave her job as a result of the company's actions, the agency said.

The EEOC opened an investigation in 2006, after Tufts filed a discrimination charge. The agency filed a formal complaint against Hobby Lobby in September 2008.

The lawsuit focused on the company's policies about accommodations for employees with temporary disabilities.

"The way the company was looking at it was that if you were eventually getting better, if your impairment wasn't permanent, it couldn't be a disability," said EEOC attorney Laurie Vasichek.

Joe Schmitt, the attorney who represents Hobby Lobby, said the company denies violating the Americans with Disabilities Act or engaging in other illegal conduct.

"Hobby Lobby is pleased to have the matter resolved and looks forward to working with the EEOC," Schmitt said.

A manager at the Rochester store declined to comment.

As part of the settlement, Hobby Lobby will revise its internal policies to clarify that people with temporary disabilities can be considered disabled. The company also agreed to conduct ADA trainings with staff, and update its employee handbook.

Tufts did not immediately return calls for comment.