A woman is accusing the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of discriminatory wrongful discharge.
Angela Riner-Mooney filed her complaint in federal court against the state agency.
In the complaint, Riner-Mooney alleges she was unjustly terminated after requesting to continue working remotely due to health concerns.
Riner-Mooney began her employment with the department in 2006 and rose through the ranks to hold various positions including Data Specialist, Supervisor in Finance for the Office of Special Education, Assistant Director for Electronic Plans and Electronic Grants and Director of Special Projects in the Office of Data System Management. In 2017, she was promoted to Coordinator for Business Systems in the Office of Special Education.
According to the complaint, Riner-Mooney has a history of asthma and was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016. After being granted Family Medical Leave Act leave for surgery and recovery, she requested an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to work remotely due to her high-risk status amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This request was initially granted in June 2020.
However, despite updates from her doctor recommending continued remote work due to improved asthma stability and ongoing COVID-19 risks, Riner-Mooney's request for continued telework was denied in June 2022. She says she was she would have to return to office work or face termination. The lawsuit seeks damages for wrongful discharge, attorney fees, costs and other relief.