Reference no: EM132156484

Discrimination Based on Disability. Dennis Wallace was a deputy sherif for Stanislaus County, California, when he injured his left knee. After surgery, he was subject to limits on prolonged standing, walking, and running. Te county assigned him to work as a bailif. Te sergeants who supervised him rated his performance above average. Less than a year later, without consulting those supervisors, the county placed him on an unpaid leave of absence, under the mistaken belief that he could not safely perform the essential functions of the job. Wallace fled an action in a California state court against the county, alleging discrimination based on disability. Under state law, discriminatory intent is shown by evidence that an actual or perceived disability was a “substantial motivating factor or reason” for an employer’s adverse employment action. An employee is not required to show that the action was motivated by animosity or ill will. Could Wallace likely prove the “substantial motivating factor or reason” element? Explain. [Wallace v. County of Stanislaus, 245 Cal.App.4th 109, 199 Cal.Rptr.3d 462 (5 Dist. 2016)] (See Discrimination Based on Disability.)