Matthew J. Ellis, Defendant, and The Washington University in St. Louis Missouri Cases

Dr. Li Lin sued Washington University for retaliatory discharge under the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) after her employment was terminated following requests for disability accommodations. A jury found in favor of Dr. Lin against Washington University, but not against her supervisor. The appellate court reversed the judgment, holding that the trial court erred in submitting an incomplete verdict director instruction that omitted an essential element of the retaliation claim. The court also clarified that requesting a disability accommodation is a protected activity under the MHRA and that the McGinnis Doctrine did not apply to exonerate the university.