A postal supervisor alleges that her employer failed to accommodate her medical restrictions and retaliated against her after she requested reasonable adjustments for her disability, raising concerns about compliance with federal employment laws. The complaint was filed by Ruqayyah Bobo in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on April 6, 2026, naming David P. Steiner, Postmaster General of the United States, as defendant.
According to the filing, Bobo has worked for the United States Postal Service (USPS) for a total of 15 years and has served as Supervisor of Distribution Operations since 2024. She states that she is a 55-year-old African-American woman diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency on August 21, 2024—a condition that qualifies as a disability under federal law. Bobo claims she informed her immediate supervisor of her diagnosis and provided medical documentation on September 12, 2024, requesting work restrictions including no more than four hours standing or walking per shift and no lifting over fifty pounds.
The complaint reports that these restrictions were initially accommodated without issue until February 4, 2025. On February 3, Bobo says she was asked by management to monitor an employee near an elevator continuously—a task she explained would violate her medical limitations. The next day, Bobo alleges she was given a light duty packet by Manager Portia Donley and told to have it completed by her doctor before returning to work. Despite explaining that this procedure did not align with USPS policy for employees at her level seeking accommodations, Bobo says she was made to leave the building.
When Bobo returned on February 7 seeking clarification about her status and pay—and presenting updated work restrictions—she claims Donley accused her of insubordination and trespassing before threatening to call security if she did not leave. Subsequently, Donley marked Bobo as absent without official leave (AWOL) from February 8 through March 11, during which time Bobo states she received no compensation.
Upon returning to work on March 15, Bobo alleges that her schedule was changed without notice and that access to necessary tools such as her work computer was restricted due to what management described as improper removal from the building in early February.
The complaint also describes an incident on May 11 in which Bobo suffered a bee sting at work—a known allergy—and asserts that management hesitated to provide medical assistance. According to the filing: “Plaintiff had to call 911 herself” after co-workers deferred action pending approval from supervisors. During transport in an ambulance following the incident, Bobo stopped breathing and required emergency injection with epinephrine.
Bobo’s lawsuit asserts two main counts: violation of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973—which prohibits discrimination based on disability—and violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. She alleges that USPS failed to provide reasonable accommodations for her disability between February and March; removed her from the workplace; charged AWOL status; altered work schedules without notice; restricted access to job tools; inadequately responded during a medical emergency; and otherwise discriminated against her based on both age and disability.
The complaint further claims retaliation for engaging in protected activities under both statutes: “Defendant has retaliated against Plaintiff for engaging in protected activities under Rehabilitation Act…for all reasons set forth.” Similar language is used regarding alleged retaliation under age discrimination law.
Bobo requests a jury trial on all triable issues and seeks damages allowed by law—including costs and attorney’s fees—as well as any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is represented by attorney Eric I. Frankie (P47232), whose office is located at Town Center in Southfield, Michigan. The case number is listed as Case No.: 2:26-cv-11121-SDK-EAS.
Source: 226cv11121_Ruqayyah_Boba_v_David_P_Steiner_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
