Key element missing from IT worker’s accommodation and retaliation claims

The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings apply to Texas employers) recently issued an opinion identifying the key element of reasonable accommodation and retaliation claims. What do you think it is? As you read through the facts, consider your answer.

Suffering from depression

Quincy Taylor, a black man, worked for the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s IT department. Here’s a timeline:

·     2012: Taylor applies for a job and states in his application that he’s “being treated for depression.”

·     2014: He tells his supervisor it was mentally and physically exhausting to provide “ongoing [IT] support” to “multiple departments” and suggests a reduced workload.