On May 31, 2018, the claimant, an employee of Sierra Academy of Aeronautics, in Atwater, asked to take a medical leave of absence due to her disability. However, she claimed that the company fired her instead of engaging in the interactive process that is required by law when informed of her disability and request for medical leave. The employee failed a claim with plaintiff U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which first attempted to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its voluntary conciliation process. The EEOC sued the operator of Sierra Academy of Aeronautics, KS Aviation Inc., and the successor to KS Aviation, Xing Kong Aviation Service, LLC. The EEOC alleged that the defendants’ actions constituted disability discrimination and retaliation in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Defense counsel denied the employee’s claims, and contended that KS Aviation and Xing Kong Aviation Service were unaware of the employee’s need for accommodation due to her disability., The claimant alleged that she suffered a loss of earnings as a result of her termination. She also alleged that she suffers emotional distress as of the company’s actions. The EEOC, acting on behalf of the claimant, sought recovery for the claimant’s back pay and emotional pain and suffering.