U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Finds Memphis Charter School Unlawfully Terminated Employee, Violating Family and Medical Leave Act

MEMPHIS, TN – An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has found Memphis-based public charter school KIPP: Memphis Collegiate High School violated the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when the school district terminated an employee after denying her right to take time off for a condition that qualified for protected leave. The school district has paid the employee $39,886 in lost wages.

Investigators found that KIPP: Memphis Collegiate High School violated the FMLA when they discharged the employee for absences that should have been covered under the FMLA. The employer's erroneous denial of FMLA leave resulted in it considering those absences unauthorized, triggering the disciplinary action. The settlement covers income lost since the employee's dismissal, including six months of wages, including raises and bonuses. Investigators also found that the school district's FMLA notification policies omitted key information that it is required to provide to employees.

"The resolution of this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting employees' rights and educating employers about their responsibilities under the law," said Wage and Hour Division District Director Nettie Lewis, in Nashville.

KIPP: Memphis Collegiate High School has paid the back wages and other pay in full.

For more information about the FMLA and other laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available at https://www.dol.gov/whd.