Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / Jul 5, 2022
State of Missouri, ex rel., Jeanette Layton vs. Missouri Commission on Human Rights, et al
Jeanette Layton filed an age discrimination complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (Commission) against Mercy Health East Community (Mercy). After 180 days, Layton requested a right-to-sue letter, but the Commission denied it, claiming lack of jurisdiction. The circuit court granted Layton's petition for a writ of mandamus, ordering the Commission to issue the letter. The appellate court affirmed, holding that the Commission had a ministerial duty to issue the right-to-sue letter and terminate proceedings once 180 days passed and a request was made, regardless of a disputed jurisdictional issue concerning the employer's status.