Thomas Joseph Skelton v. Supreme Court of Illinois

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, discrimination by public entities in all programs, activities, and services against qualified individuals with disabilities is prohibited. Petitioner is a qualified individual under the Act. Respondents are public entities responsible for certifying and licensing individuals as attorneys to the Illinois bar. Following a hearing in which Petitioner presented unrebutted evidence regarding his diagnosis, Respondents denied Petitioner’s certification and licensure to the Illinois bar, without offering any reasonable accommodations, and basing their decision on findings and conclusions related to his disability, mental health status, history, and treatment. The question presented is whether Respondents intentionally discriminated against or disproportionately impacted Petitioner, following his submission of unrebutted evidence, by denying his certification and licensure on findings and conclusions of Petitioner’s disability, without providing reasonable accommodations, in contravention of the Americans with Disabilities Act.