Former Employee Sues High Plains Mental Health Over Alleged Disability Discrimination

1 Former High Plains Mental Health Center clinical director David S. Anderson is suing his former employer in U.S. District Court, alleging wrongful discharge based on disability, age discrimination, and retaliation. Filed on Oct. 25, 2025, the lawsuit claims Anderson was terminated in November 2023 for requesting mental health accommodations, a charge the facility denies in its formal court response. What are the legal grounds for the lawsuit? Anderson, 62, seeks damages and legal fees under three primary federal statutes: the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Title 1 of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). According to court records, Anderson alleges he was passed over for the executive director position in favor of a younger candidate, Craig Poe, who he claims possessed fewer qualifications. The suit further alleges that High Plains Mental Health failed to provide required notice for FMLA-covered leave and retaliated against him for requesting medical accommodations for depression. Did you know? Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, provided the accommodation does not impose an 'undue hardship' on the operation of the business. How has High Plains Mental Health Center responded? The facility denies all allegations of wrongdoing. In an email to the Hays Post , Executive Director Craig Poe stated that the organization is addressing the matter through the 'appropriate process' and noted that the litigation does not impact their current operations or services. Court documents indicate the center maintains that Anderson's termination resulted from documented insubordination and failure to follow directives, rather than his mental health status. The center has requested a jury trial to resolve the dispute. David Anderson, MP speaks on religious discrimination What is the current status of the legal proceedings? Both parties are moving toward mediation. According to a court-ordered joint notice filed on April 29, the parties selected Dave Vogel of Eischens Vogel Mediation Solutions to facilitate discussions. The mediation session is scheduled for June 22 in Overland Park. If the parties fail to reach a settlement, the case is slated for a final pretrial conference on July 29, with a dispositive motion deadline set for Aug. 21. Comparison: Allegations vs. Employer Defense Issue Plaintiff (Anderson) Claim Defendant (High Plains) Response Termination Wrongful discharge due to depression Insubordination and failure to follow directives Promotion Passed over for a less qualified, younger candidate Denies these contentions Accommodation Requested FMLA-protected leave/accommodations Denies the necessity or legality of the request What are the broader implications for workplace mental health? This case highlights the intersection of FMLA compliance and performance management. Legal experts often point to the Family and Medical Leave Act as a critical protection for employees experiencing health crises, yet employers maintain the right to enforce workplace attendance and conduct policies. Anderson's suit specifically challenges the boundary between a formal request for medical accommodation and the employer's demand for attendance at a mandatory meeting, a point of contention that will likely be a focus of the upcoming mediation. Pro Tip: Employees seeking reasonable accommodations should document all requests in writing and maintain copies of medical correspondence. This creates a clear paper trail should an employment dispute arise. Frequently Asked Questions What specific laws is the plaintiff citing? Anderson is suing under the ADEA (age), ADA (disability), and FMLA (leave) statutes. Anderson is suing under the ADEA (age), ADA (disability), and FMLA (leave) statutes. Has a mediator been appointed? Yes, the parties have selected Dave Vogel of Eischens Vogel Mediation Solutions. Yes, the parties have selected Dave Vogel of Eischens Vogel Mediation Solutions. Is the facility still operating? Yes, Executive Director Craig Poe stated that the lawsuit has no impact on the organization's daily services. Yes, Executive Director Craig Poe stated that the lawsuit has no impact on the organization's daily services. Where was the suit filed? The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court of Kansas. Have questions about your workplace rights or recent developments in labor law? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on this case and other regional news. 0 comments 0 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Samantha Carter oversees all editorial operations at Newsy-Today.com. With more than 15 years of experience in national and international reporting, she previously led newsroom teams covering political affairs, investigative reporting, and global breaking news. Her editorial approach emphasizes accuracy, speed, and integrity across all coverage. Samantha is responsible for editorial strategy, quality control, and long-term newsroom development.