Nature of Covid Mask Request Response Is Focus of Court Debate

Judges on a federal appeals court panel wrestled with whether management at a Texas pharmacy created a hostile work environment by berating and insulting a worker with asthma who asked to wear a mask to protect against Covid-19.

During oral argument Wednesday, US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit judges had tough questions for attorneys from both the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and US Drug Mart Inc. The agency is seeking to revive its disability discrimination lawsuit after the pharmacy prevailed at the lower court.

A ruling in the case has the potential to sharpen the legal test used ...