The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), one of the largest HR organisations in the US, is heading to trial over allegations that it mishandled a job applicant’s request for a disability accommodation.
The four-day trial begins October 6 in Alexandria, Virginia, where SHRM is headquartered. Plaintiff Fiona Torres alleges the organisation offered her a senior specialist position in its product management department in June 2024, before withdrawing the offer the following month after she requested permission to bring her medical service dog to work.
HR Giant SHRM Accused of Mishandling Disability Accommodation Request
Torres, who has diabetes, said the dog could detect changes in her blood-sugar levels faster and more reliably than a glucose monitor.
SHRM disputes the allegations. In a January court filing, the organisation said it offered Torres several alternatives, including the use of a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump, additional breaks to check her blood sugar and permission to consume food or drinks near her workstation.
In a September 28 statement, SHRM said it had attempted to understand Torres’ need for the service dog and explore reasonable alternatives. The organisation described its efforts as a good-faith attempt to reach an agreement and said it had followed proper procedures.
The case comes after SHRM was ordered to pay $11.5 million in an unrelated discrimination and retaliation case last year, a verdict the organisation is appealing.
