A former employee has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that she was discriminated against and retaliated against by her employer after requesting accommodations for her medical condition. The complaint was filed by April Mills in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia on March 12, 2026, naming Corporation of Mercer University as the defendant.
According to the filing, April Mills began working at Corporation of Mercer University around September 2, 2002, most recently serving as IT Marketing Communications & Change Management Director. Mills alleges that she was diagnosed with cancer, resulting in a compromised immune system and recurring bronchitis. The complaint states that these health issues prompted her to work remotely under an agreement with her supervisor.
The dispute arose in mid-May 2025 when Mills’ supervisor, Denise Rogers, informed her that the remote work arrangement would end effective July 1, 2025. Mills would then be required to return to the office at least 75% of the time. Later that month, Rogers reportedly told Mills that Charlotte Storey, Chief Information Officer, had decided she must be in the office full-time and move back into the Auxiliary Services building—a location from which Mills had previously been relocated due to medical concerns.
Mills expressed concern about returning to this building because of her health condition. Following advice from Rogers, she contacted Candace Whaley, Associate Vice President for Human Resources. During their conversation on May 29, 2025, Mills explained her need for continued remote work or alternative arrangements due to her compromised immune system. Whaley responded that any accommodation would require a formal request process. Mills then requested paperwork to begin gathering information for such a request.
On May 30, 2025, Rogers notified Mills that Storey had agreed to maintain the current arrangement until after summer while Mills pursued formal accommodations. However, on July 1, 2025—after notifying management of her intent to seek accommodations—Mills was informed that her position would be eliminated effective July 31, 2025.
The complaint asserts: “The decision to eliminate Plaintiff’s position was not made until after Defendant received notice of Plaintiff’s intent to file a formal accommodation request.” It further alleges violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), stating: “Defendant failed to engage in the interactive process and terminated Plaintiff shortly after her accommodation request in violation of the ADA.” The filing claims that Defendant acted “with malice or reckless indifference” toward federally protected rights.
Mills contends she was qualified for her role with or without reasonable accommodation and suffered lost wages and other damages as a result of her termination. She seeks general damages for mental and emotional suffering; punitive damages; special or liquidated damages for lost wages and benefits; attorney’s fees; prejudgment interest; declaratory relief affirming violation of statutory rights; injunctive relief including reinstatement or front pay; prohibition against further unlawful conduct; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is identified as Civil Action No.: 1:26-cv-00036-LAG. Jeremy Stephens is listed as counsel for April Mills.
Source: 126cv00036_April_Mills_v_Corporation_of_Mercer_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georiga.pdf
