Expert: Charles W. Field - 4/4/2007

Question
My husband is a 53 year old pe teacher who just had a total hip replacement.  When he came back after his 6 week leave he was informed that he will not be receiving a contract to teach next year.  He has excellent evals and was told that the reason he is not getting a contract was simply due to staff reductions.  They have issued contracts to younger teachers in the system with less seniority.  We live in Iowa which I understand is an employee at will state and to make things worse, the language in his contract says the school system can terminate any employee with or without cause.  Does he have any recourse against the district based on age or disability discrimination?  

Answer
The terms of the contract will control. If there is no right for him to unilaterally renew, I am afraid he is subject to the whim of the employer. (I am taking your word that IA is a "hire and fire at will" state; I don't know any state law other than GA.) For more clarification, I would advise you to discuss the situation and have the contract reviewed by a local attorney.