Brandy Thompson v. Lloyd J. Austin, III, Secretary of Defense, et al.
Did the lower court correctly apply the burden-shifting framework in assessing the plaintiffs discrimination and retaliation claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act, including the requirement to establish her status as a "qualified individual" with a disability?
Did the lower court err in its determination that the plaintiff failed to meet the defendant's legitimate expectations at the time of termination, especially considering her extended absence due to disability, prior approved leave requests by the defendant, and the obligation of the defendant to provide reasonable accommodations?
Should the lower court have exercised supplemental jurisdiction over the plaintiffs state law claims, considering the specific circumstances and statutory waivers of sovereign immunity, and did it correctly dismiss the plaintiffs state law claims for lack of jurisdiction?
Did the lower court appropriately analyze the plaintiffs discriminatory discharge claim, taking into account the timing of termination relative to her disability and accommodation requests, as well as the defendant's rationale for termination?
Did the lower court adequately consider the proximity in time between the plaintiffs protected activity and the alleged adverse action in evaluating the retaliation claim, as well as assessing the defendant's justification for the adverse action and evidence of pretext?
Did the lower court correctly apply the burden-shifting framework in assessing the plaintiff's discrimination and retaliation claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act, including the requirement to establish her status as a 'qualified individual' with a disability?