A former teacher is taking legal action against a Michigan school district, alleging disability discrimination and wrongful discharge. Sharon Jacobs filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on November 24, 2025, against Morenci Area Schools. The lawsuit claims that the school district failed to accommodate her mental health disability, leading to her resignation under duress.
Sharon Jacobs, who began working as a teacher at Morenci Area Schools in August 2023, asserts that shortly after starting her job, she faced significant stress due to inadequate support and behavioral assistance. This environment reportedly led to a psychiatric injury that caused various physical symptoms requiring medication. On October 31, 2023, Jacobs obtained a doctor’s note excusing her from work due to declining mental health caused by the stressful work environment. Despite being on sick leave, she alleges she was pressured by the principal to continue working remotely and felt humiliated when offered counseling as an accommodation for her disability.
Jacobs resigned on November 3, 2023, fearing that her request for accommodations would be denied and later attempted to rescind her resignation but received no response. Her resignation was accepted by the school board on November 7, 2023. The complaint accuses Morenci Area Schools of failing to provide reasonable accommodations as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA). Jacobs claims this failure contributed to severe emotional distress and financial hardship.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits, exemplary or punitive damages for intentional or reckless conduct by the defendant, interest costs, attorney fees, and any other equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court. Sharon Jacobs’ attorneys are Carla D. Aikens and Thameka I. Hall from Carla D. Aikens P.L.C., based in Detroit.
The case is presided over by Judge Honorable SKD-DRG under Case ID: 2:25-cv-13770-SKD-DRG.
Source: 225cv13770_Sharon_Jacobs_v_Morenci_Area_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
