The federal government is suing the owner of a McDonald’s restaurant alleging that an employee with cerebral palsy was demoted because of his disability.

Derrick Morgan worked at the Oakhurst, Calif. McDonald’s since 2006 rising from a crew member to become a floor supervisor in 2008.

But within months of the restaurant being sold to the Alia Corporation in 2009, Morgan was relegated to a janitorial position at a lower wage, according to the lawsuit filed this week by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

What’s more, the suit indicates that Morgan’s hours were cut nearly in half and Morgan was forced to quit given the significant drop in income.

The EEOC alleges that the actions of the Alia Corporation were in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act and is seeking back pay as well as punitive and compensatory damages for Morgan.

“Employers must let go of their stereotypes and fears about employing people with disabilities,” said Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles district office. “This is a case where the company illegally stripped a well-qualified worker of his ability to earn a living due to misperceptions about his disability.”

Read more stories like this one. Sign up for Disability Scoop's free email newsletter to get the latest developmental disability news sent straight to your inbox.