Complaint alleges the HR organization rescinded a job offer after the applicant requested a service-dog accommodation for Type 1 diabetes
On December 15, 2025, KCNF filed a disability discrimination lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleging that the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Virginia Human Rights Act when it rescinded a job offer after an applicant requested a medically necessary accommodation.
According to the complaint, the applicant disclosed to SHRM her Type 1 diabetes and requested permission to bring her trained service dog to work. The dog alerts her to dangerous changes in blood glucose levels, allowing her to work safely, an accommodation she has used without issue with previous employers. The lawsuit alleges that instead of engaging in good faith in the required interactive process, SHRM withdrew the offer it had extended.
“Our client made a reasonable request for an accommodation that would allow her to work safely,” said Lori Kisch, counsel at KCNF. “Federal and state law required SHRM to accommodate her. Instead of doing that, SHRM denied her accommodation request without explanation and rescinded the offer of employment. This would be troubling in any workplace, but it is especially alarming when the employer is an organization that trains others on ADA compliance.”
The plaintiff said: “I am fully able and ready to work, and my trained service dog helps me manage my Type 1 diabetes by detecting and alerting me to changes in my blood sugar level earlier and more reliably than other detection systems. I did not anticipate there would be any issue with bringing my service dog with me to the office. He had been with me for years in my prior job without any problems. I brought this case because I believe employers should follow the law and treat people with disabilities fairly. I was excited to join SHRM and was shocked by the way I was treated.”
The lawsuit seeks back pay, compensatory damages and punitive damages.
The plaintiff is represented by Stephen B. Pershing and Lori B. Kisch.