Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Waffle House, Inc.
United States Supreme Court
534 U.S. 279 (2002)
Facts
Eric Baker was an employee at Waffle House, Inc. (defendant). Baker signed an agreement with Waffle House stating that any dispute concerning his employment would be settled by binding arbitration. Waffle House fired Baker after he suffered a seizure at work. Baker submitted a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (plaintiff). Subsequently, the EEOC brought an enforcement action, contending that Waffle House violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The EEOC sought injunctive relief prohibiting Waffle House from engaging in unlawful employment practices. The EEOC also sought victim-specific relief for Baker, including back pay, reinstatement, and monetary damages. Waffle House filed a motion to dismiss the EEOC’s enforcement action, which was denied by the district court. The court of appeals held that the EEOC was permitted to seek injunctive relief but was precluded from seeking victim-specific relief. The EEOC appealed to the United States Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Stevens, J.)
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