Regency Park Assisted Living & Memory Care Sued by EEOC for Pregnancy Discrimination

 Retirement Community Failed to Hire Pregnant Woman, Federal Agency Charges

TAMPA - Excel Hospitality Group LLC d/b/a Regency Park Assisted Living & Memorial Care, an assisted living facility in Eustis, Florida, violated federal law by rescinding a woman's job offer upon learning she was pregnant, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed yesterday.

According to the EEOC's suit, Regency Park offered a woman a position as a certified nurse assistant in May 2018.  While filling out her new hire paperwork, the woman mentioned to a Regency Park employee that she was pregnant.  On her anticipated start date, a Regency Park manager told the new hire that she had learned about her pregnancy and was concerned about her work attendance.  Another manager later informed her that Regency Park decided to go with someone else for the position.

Pregnancy discrimination violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Ocala Division (EEOC v. Excel Hospitality Group LLC, Case No. 5:19-cv-00591) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. The agency seeks back pay and compensatory and punitive damages for the applicant. The suit also seeks injunctive relief to prevent and correct pregnancy discrimination and training of Regency Park's managers and supervisors about federal equal employment opportunity laws.

"This case underscores the need for EEOC to continue its vigorous enforcement of the laws that protect all women from harmful discrimination," said Robert E. Weisberg, regional attorney for the EEOC's Miami District.

The EEOC's Tampa Field Office director, Evangeline Hawthorne, added, "A woman should feel comfortable telling an employer she is pregnant without fear that such a disclosure will cause her to lose her job. The EEOC remains steadfast in its commitment to take legal action against those who engage in such unlawful tactics."

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov.  Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.