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PENNSYLVANIA RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Drexel accused of disability discrimination

Discrimination gavel

PHILADELPHIA—A woman is suing a Philadelphia university and two former co-workers for alleged disability discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Debra Checa, a resident of Marlton, New Jersey, filed a lawsuit on Jan. 11 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Drexel University, Kathy Lally and Christina Zervoudakis for violations of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

According to the suit, Checa was employed for a year and a half at Drexel's College of Medicine as a program manager.  She had carpal tunnel surgery and was on disability leave for approximately three months beginning on June 25, 2014. The suit alleges when she returned to work on Sept. 16, 2014 she was greeted by a hostile work environment with Lally and Zervoudakis allegedly verbally harassing Checa to the point that she announced she was quitting. 

In addition to stopping alleged disability discrimination at the school, Checa wants to be compensated and reimbursed for any and all pay and benefits owed. She is also seeking damages and legal costs. Timothy M. Kolman, Wayne A. Ely and W. Charles Sipio of Kolman Ely P.C. in Penndel are representing Checa.

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case number 216-cv-00108-MAK

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