Board Of Trustees Of University Of Alabama v. Garrett

531 U.S. 356 (2001)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Garrett (P), a registered nurse, was employed as the Director of Nursing, for the University of Alabama. P's treatments required her to take substantial leave from work. Upon returning to work P's supervisor informed P that she would have to give up her Director position. Ash (P) worked as a security officer for the Alabama Department of Youth Services (Department). Upon commencing this employment, Ash (P) informed the Department that he suffered from chronic asthma and that his doctor recommended he avoid carbon monoxide and cigarette smoke, and Ash (P) requested that the Department modify his duties to minimize his exposure to these substances. The Department granted none of the requested relief. Ash (P) filed a discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; he noticed that his performance evaluations were lower than those he had received on previous occasions. Garrett and Ash filed separate lawsuits in the District Court, both seeking money damages under the ADA. Ds moved for summary judgment, claiming that the ADA exceeds Congress' authority to abrogate the State's Eleventh Amendment immunity. The court granted their motions for summary judgment. The cases were consolidated on appeal to the Eleventh Circuit. The Court of Appeals reversed. The Supreme Court granted certiorari.