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Salem

Chemawa Indian School Settles Disability Claim

Nancy Aiken received a $95,000 settlement after an EEOC judge found she faced disability discrimination in Salem.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Special Education

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Nancy Aiken received a $95,000 settlement after an EEOC judge found the Chemawa Indian School in Salem committed disability discrimination. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In September 2026, Nancy Aiken received a $95,000 disability discrimination settlement from the Department of the Interior. The payment concludes a legal battle following her termination from the Chemawa Indian School in Salem.

Why it matters

An EEOC administrative judge ruled that the school subjected Aiken to disparate treatment based on her disability. The decision enforces protections for employees regarding medical leave and termination following traumatic health events.

Aiken received $75,000 for lost wages and expenses along with $20,000 for emotional distress and attorney fees. These figures were awarded after the EEOC found the school denied her January 2021 sick leave request.

The players

Nancy Aiken

Nancy Aiken is an educator who sought legal recourse following her termination from the Chemawa Indian School.

Chemawa Indian School

Chemawa Indian School is a residential school located in Salem that serves Native American students.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is the federal agency responsible for enforcing laws against workplace discrimination.

The details

After suffering a traumatic brain injury in October 2019, Aiken sought medical leave that was denied by the school in early 2021. Her employment was ultimately terminated on March 17, 2021, leading to a complaint that was resolved after hearings in summer 2025.

Timeline

  1. October 2019: Nancy Aiken suffered a traumatic brain injury.

  2. January 2021: The school denied Aiken's sick leave request.

  3. March 17, 2021: Chemawa terminated Aiken's employment.

  4. Summer 2025: The EEOC held hearings on the discrimination case.

  5. September 2026: Aiken received the settlement payment.

Culture Shift

This case underscores the evolution of workplace protections established by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It reflects a growing institutional intolerance for disparate treatment when employees manage the aftermath of traumatic brain injuries.

For residents in the Salem area, this settlement highlights the importance of documentation when requesting medical leave. Understanding your rights regarding sick leave can significantly impact your job security and financial stability during medical recovery.

The takeaway

Disability discrimination laws strictly prohibit firing employees for requesting medically necessary leave. Employees should maintain clear communication and records with their HR departments to ensure their rights are protected during health crises.

Further reading

For more information on legal standards for educators, visit the Special Education section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Statesman Journal.

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