HR org SHRM heads to court in latest workplace discrimination case
The HR trade group was sued over a claim that it mishandled a request to bring a service dog to the office.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is preparing for a trial on October 6 regarding a claim that the HR organization mishandled a disability accommodation request. The jury will determine if SHRM adequately collaborated with the plaintiff to find a resolution. In 2025, SHRM faced an $11.5 million verdict in a separate discrimination case, which it is currently appealing.
The nationwide HR group has been set to confront a jury this week over allegations that it neglected a job applicant's request for a disability accommodation. This trial follows SHRM's $11.5 million loss last year in a race discrimination and retaliation suit involving a former employee. The plaintiff, Fiona Torres, claims that SHRM offered her a position as a senior specialist in the product management department in June 2024, but revoked the offer in July when she requested to bring her medical service dog to work due to her diabetes.
Torres stated that her dog could identify blood-sugar level changes more accurately than a high-end glucose monitor. According to SHRM's response to the claims, the company provided Torres with various accommodations, such as allowing her to use her continuous glucose monitoring system and insulin pump at work, take breaks to monitor her blood sugar, and consume food or drink as needed at her workstation.
SHRM also posted a statement on its website acknowledging their attempts to understand Torres' need for a service dog and explore reasonable accommodations. The trial, lasting four days, will occur in Alexandria, Virginia, where SHRM's headquarters are located.
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