SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE CITY OF VERO BEACH, FLORIDA DJ 205-18-16

I. BACKGROUND

5. The City is a person within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 12111(7) and 42 U.S.C. § 2000e(a) an employer within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 12111(5) and a covered entity within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 12111(2).

6. Under Title I of the ADA, it is unlawful for an employer to make inquiries as to whether an applicant is an individual with a disability or as to the nature of such disability before making a conditional offer of employment. 42 U.S.C. § 12112(d) 29 C.F.R. § 1630.13(a).

7. On July 8, 2013, the Department notified the City that it was investigating the job application procedures of the City. At that time, the City’s Employment Application required applicants to answer the following inquiries by checking a box that applies to them: [check box] “Disabled Veteran” [check box] “Disabled Person Not Entitled to Veteran’s Preferences.”  

8. The United States alleges that the City has engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination under the ADA by requiring applicants to disclose disabilities in their applications prior to making a conditional offer of employment.

9. The City has fully cooperated with the compliance review.