University of Iowa Settles Lawsuit Over 'Sick Building Syndrome'

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The University of Iowa has settled a federal lawsuit filed by a former employee, Nan Li, who accused her supervisors of failing to accommodate her disability, which she called 'sick building syndrome'. Li claimed symptoms like heavy eyes, dry cough, and dizziness worsened at her job in the UI Student Disability Services office, and that her supervisors retaliated against her for requesting to work remotely.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing challenges around workplace accommodations for disabilities, especially in cases of 'sick building syndrome' where the cause of illness is tied to the physical work environment. The settlement raises questions about how universities and other employers handle such claims and whether they are doing enough to support employees with disabilities.

The details

Nan Li was hired in April 2023 as an entry-level access consultant in the UI Student Disability Services office. She claimed her symptoms, including heavy eyes, dry cough, and dizziness, worsened while working in the Old Capitol Center building. Li reportedly asked her supervisors to allow her to work remotely, but claims they retaliated by interfering with her accommodation request and eventually firing her in April 2024.

• Nan Li was hired in April 2023.
• Li claimed her symptoms worsened while working in the Old Capitol Center building.
• Li requested to work remotely, but claims her supervisors retaliated against her.
• Li was fired from her position in April 2024.