Quaker Oats Co. v. Cedar Rapids Human Rights Commission

LeGRAND, Justice.

The question here is whether a short-term disability income plan in effect for all employees of Quaker Oats Co. (hereafter Quaker) illegally discriminates on the basis of sex by excluding “disabilities due to pregnancy or disorders resulting therefrom.” The Cedar Rapids Human Rights Commission (hereafter Commission) appeals from a decree holding it does not. We reverse and remand for further proceedings as noted herein.

This case arose upon a complaint filed by Sandra K. Tennyson (hereafter claimant), a laboratory technician employed by Quaker, who submitted to an abortion…