[ADA Arguments] Jolene, ABC Corporation's Human Resources Manager, Was Encountering

question 26

Multiple Choice

[ADA Arguments] Jolene, ABC Corporation's Human Resources Manager, was encountering a rush of requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Cindy, a receptionist, was having a birthday and turning 50. She told Jolene that, while she had not been to see a physician, she had "the blues" and needed to take every Friday off for the next few weeks to recuperate. Cindy said that while she was able to engage in her normal activities, her energy level was down. Jolene promptly denied her request on the basis that the act only applies to physical disabilities. Another employee, Zeke, asked for a private office. Jolene asked him why he needed a private office. Zeke, who had been significantly burned, replied that while nothing was physically wrong with him, he was tired of everyone treating him as if he had a disability. He said that the treatment he received from coworkers interfered with his everyday life and work activities. Jolene denied his request explaining to him that he needed an actual documented physical disability before being covered by the act. Finally, Keanu, who had undergone knee surgery, asked that Jolene put in another elevator near his workstation. Jolene explained that workstation could be moved nearer to the existing elevator, but Keanu told her that under the Americans with Disabilities Act, she did not have the right to dictate his workstation location to him. Nevertheless, Jolene denied his request for a second elevator, noting that no other employees needed a second elevator. Cindy, Zeke, and Keanu got together and decided to go directly to federal court and sue ABC Corporation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to challenge Jolene's decisions.
-Does ABC Corporation have any duty to provide Zeke with a private office?

• A) No, ABC Corporation would not have to provide Zeke with a private office because he is not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• B) No, ABC Corporation would not have to provide Zeke with a private office because the only accommodation mandated for those with his condition is time off for counseling.
• C) No, ABC Corporation would not have to provide Zeke with a private office because the act only contemplates accommodation through the placement of additional equipment to assist those with disabilities.
• D) Yes, ABC Corporation would absolutely have to provide Zeke with a private office.
• E) Yes, ABC Corporation would likely be required to provide Zeke with a private office unless the accommodation requested is not reasonable and would place an undue burden on the company.

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Definitions:

Asian American

Individuals in the United States who are of Asian descent, comprising diverse communities with varied cultures and ancestries.

CEO Activism

The involvement of chief executive officers in public discourse and actions on socio-political and environmental issues, exceeding traditional corporate responsibilities.

Greenwashing

The practice of companies misleadingly portraying their products, activities, or policies as environmentally friendly when they are not.

Leadership Research

The study of theories, practices, and effects of leadership styles, behaviors, and strategies on groups and organizations.