Seyfarth Synopsis: In recent
years, a body of law has developed surrounding pattern or practice
lawsuits brought by the EEOC. This has helped to clarify, for
example, when the 300-day filing cutoff applies, or whether the
claimant is eligible for damages as opposed to just equitable
relief. In a recent decision out of the Western District of
Oklahoma, yet another court has expanded the breadth of knowledge
surrounding EEOC pattern or practice lawsuits, explaining that the
continuing violation exception can toll Section 706's timely
filing requirement.
Case Background
Horizontal Well Drillers ("HWD"), is an oil and gas
drilling company. Between January 1, 2012, through June 30, 2014,
job applicants to HWD were required to submit information on age,
family and personal health history, doctors' care status,
prescription drug use, and other health inquiries. HWD also sought
information regarding applicants' workers' compensation
histories, preferring to hire people