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Enfield Board of Education building. Photo: Google

The lawsuit also claims Hernandez spoke often With regard to Enfield’s claim that it should be
about her disability and her need for accommodations removed as a defendant, plaintiffs counsel said the
during her run for office to become part of the board. judge made the right call.
Hernandez’s two-year term on the nonpaying board “The town was trying to get out of the case by ar-
ran from 2017-19. She is no longer on the board. guing they weren’t responsible for the board,” Hill
The judge said Hernandez’s “allegations describe said. “But they were responsible, and did not do any
her frustrated attempts to receive reasonable ac- oversight.”
commodations for her disabilities so that she could Next up: a change of defense attorney, as the judge
fulfill her responsibilities as a member of the Enfield ruled that the Board of Education would have to get
Board of Education.” new counsel. Shea said Board of Education attorney
The suit seeks compensatory damages and a jury Christine Chinni of Chinni & Meuser in Avon can’t
trial. continue as counsel because she is a potential wit-
Eve Hill, one of two attorneys for Hernandez, said ness in the case.
Friday she’s open to settling the case, as opposed to Representing Enfield is Town Attorney James
having a jury trial, but declined to say how much her Tallberg, who didn’t respond to a request for com-
client is seeking in damages. ment. Co-defendant, Board of Education Chairman
“I don’t need the glory of a trial. I just want to do Walter Kruzel, did not immediately respond to a re-
what is right for my client,” said Hill, of Baltimore, quest for comment by deadline.
Maryland-based Brown, Goldstein & Levy. Assisting Hill is Kasey Considine of Disability
Meanwhile, the attorney said her client is happy Rights Connecticut in Hartford.
the case can proceed. She said Hernandez, a college ¦

professor, is pleased with Shea’s ruling. Robert Storace covers legal trends, lawsuits and
“She is still reminded about the bad way she was analysis for the Connecticut Law Tribune. Follow
treated,” Hill sad. “I don’t see any reason why we him on Twitter @RobertSCTLaw or reach him at
would not win this case.” 203-437-5950.

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