Blind Engineer Fired on First Day, Lawsuit Claims

A legally blind engineer was fired on his first day of employment with a Houston-based property development company, Majestic Developers, after relocating his family from Atlanta, Georgia, according to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Ali Aljoda, who holds a Bachelor of Science, master's degree, and PhD in engineering, was hired as a drainage engineer. Prior to his first day on January 2, 2025, he informed the company of his disability and his need for specific work equipment, which the company initially agreed to provide. Aljoda presented himself for work using a white cane to navigate the office.

During his first day, Aljoda requested accommodations including a Windows-based computer with a large monitor, permission to close blinds in his office to mitigate glare, and the use of a personal video device for reading documents. He also indicated he would use his cane for navigation and sought permission to hire an assistant, at his own expense, for occasional off-site meetings. The lawsuit states he was assured these accommodations would be approved.

The lawsuit alleges that Majestic Developers then cited Aljoda's concurrent research position at Spelman College as a reason for termination, despite Aljoda offering to resign from that role. The company's stated reason for termination, according to the lawsuit, was that they had no projects for him. Attorneys for Aljoda claim these were pretextual reasons and that he was fired due to his disability and need for accommodations.

The EEOC is suing Majestic Developers, alleging violations of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This federal law prohibits workplace discrimination based on disability and mandates reasonable accommodations. The lawsuit seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages for Aljoda, along with reinstatement or front pay, and changes to the company's employment practices.

"Workers with disabilities are entitled to equal opportunity in the workplace, and employers must take their obligations under the law seriously," said EEOC Trial Attorney Lloyd van Oostenrijk. "The EEOC will continue to hold employers accountable when they unlawfully deny reasonable accommodations or terminate employees because of their disabilities."

The company's response to the recruiter, as cited in the filing, indicated concerns about Aljoda's ability to perform tasks without assistance and stated, "Unfortunately Majestic will not be able to accommodate the requirements." This contradicts earlier assurances, according to the EEOC.