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A former Fulton County School District teacher has taken legal action, alleging she was forced to resign after the district denied her reasonable accommodations following her COVID-19 diagnosis. The lawsuit, filed in Georgia federal court on Monday, claims the district violated federal law by refusing to accommodate her compromised health condition, leading to her resignation in 2021.

Teacher's Health Condition Exacerbated COVID-19 Symptoms

Dawn Plagianes, who taught at both Banneker High School and McNair Middle School, contracted COVID-19 in September 2020. Plagianes, a cancer survivor, said her symptoms were more severe due to her previous diagnosis. Although the district allowed her to take a 10-day COVID leave, they denied her subsequent requests to work remotely, despite her doctor's repeated insistence that virtual work was necessary for her safety.

Plagianes claims she was initially told by her supervisor that working virtually "would not be an issue," only to be later informed by the district’s human resources department that she would need to return to in-person teaching. The district reportedly offered her a desk shield and extra cleaning supplies instead of allowing her to work remotely.

Fulton County Teacher Covid Lawsuit : A Prolonged Struggle for Accommodation

Faced with an unresolved health crisis, Plagianes requested a second medical leave, which was granted. Her doctor remained in constant contact with the district, emphasizing her need for virtual work, but the district allegedly refused the request and advised her to apply for short-term disability. When her disability request was denied, Plagianes was placed on unpaid leave from November 2020 until March 2021.

The lawsuit details how the district later contacted Plagianes to confirm her return to work. Plagianes said she informed them she planned to return after receiving her second COVID-19 vaccine dose in April 2021. However, weeks later, she was informed by the district’s legal counsel that her only options were resignation, medical resignation, or termination, despite having no disciplinary issues.

Legal Battle Over Reasonable Accommodations

Plagianes claims the district failed to engage in the legally required “interactive process” to determine if an accommodation could be made without causing undue hardship. She contends that she could have fulfilled the essential duties of her job virtually, without compromising her or others' health.

The lawsuit seeks general damages for emotional and mental suffering, punitive damages, compensation for lost wages and benefits, attorney fees, and a declaratory judgment that the district engaged in unlawful employment practices. Plagianes argues that the district’s actions were discriminatory and lacked any legitimate, non-discriminatory rationale.

Fulton County Teacher Covid Lawsuit : Uncertain Legal Outcome

While Plagianes’ legal team, Anthony J. Hall and Jordan Rose of The Leach Firm PA, have yet to comment publicly, the lawsuit raises pressing questions about how workplaces are adapting—or failing to adapt—to the needs of employees affected by long-term COVID-19 complications. Representatives for the Fulton County School District have not yet responded to requests for comment.