Wednesday, the US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that states can be sued by veterans alleging discrimination in the workplace, thereby bolstering safeguards for state employees and Veterans returning to the workforce after serving in the reserves or National Guard.
Former Texas state trooper Le Roy Torres said he was thrown out of a job after returning from Iraq; Torres claimed he could no longer serve as a Trooper owing to lung damage caused by exposure to burn pits in Iraq, and he sought a comparable position.
However, his request was refused
“We should not have to fear of losing our jobs, we come back. But now there’s a sense of peace and of comfort that we can come back and hey, you know what, if I have limitations that they’ll be accommodated,”Torres told the media following the SCOTUS verdict.
The decision was made after officials said he was fired for cause. Torres told the media, “Returning from Iraq after five years has had many challenges but I am grateful to God for the strength that he’s giving me a long the way and for our community,”
Torres is now appreciative that this decision will assist thousands of veterans.
“This shouldn’t be an issue anymore. With those rights that are protected for individuals,” tweeted Representative Vicente Gonzales.
More on this story via The Republic Brief:
“This is a Monumental step for our veterans. Anyone in the military Community knows that exposure to burn pits can lead to lifelong Health complications. We cannot punish our veterans for trying to re-enter civilian life with injuries sustained while protecting our nation.”
The Supreme Court revives a lawsuit by a former Texas state trooper who says Texas violated federal law when it did not give him a new job upon his return from military service. SCOTUS rejects Texas' argument that the lawsuit is barred by the doctrine of state sovereign immunity.
— SCOTUSblog (@SCOTUSblog) June 29, 2022
In the case of Torres v. Texas Department of Public Safety, the court ruled 5-4 that states cannot invoke sovereign immunity to block lawsuits by veterans who want to reclaim prior jobs with state employers. CONTINUE READING…