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Baeza Law Firm is now representing Coach Matthew Taylor, who filed a federal discrimination charge after Socorro ISD removed him from his coaching position at Eastlake High School. Taylor, who continues to teach special education, says the district punished him for experiencing a medical episode tied to a protected disability. Baeza Law calls the decision illegal under federal law.
Coach Files EEOC Complaint After Medical Incident
Taylor filed a disability discrimination charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in January 2026. He also submitted a formal grievance to the district seeking reinstatement as head basketball coach.
Taylor experienced a health-related incident at work, but according to his legal team, the situation never endangered students. An assistant coach remained on-site, and Taylor resumed his responsibilities once the episode passed.
Despite that, district administrators stripped him of his coaching role. The decision sparked public outcry and raised legal red flags.
Baeza Law Takes the Case
Attorney Jonathan Baeza, who leads the legal team representing Taylor, said the removal violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers based on known disabilities and requires reasonable accommodations before discipline or termination.
“This was not about misconduct,” Baeza said. “It was about a school district making a fear-based decision that disregarded Coach Taylor’s rights, dignity, and long-standing service to the community.”
Legal Protections Are Clear
The ADA bars employers from discriminating against employees with physical or mental disabilities and compels them to consider adjustments that allow the employee to perform essential job functions (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.).
The case centers on whether Socorro ISD followed those federal standards. Taylor’s attorneys argue the district failed to engage in any accommodation process and acted on stigma rather than facts.
Community Backs the Coach
Taylor’s removal drew backlash from students and parents. Many attended a recent school board meeting to call for his reinstatement. They described Taylor as a mentor and said he remained in control during the health episode, supported by staff and coaches who ensured student safety.
Supporters say the district’s decision has shaken morale and sends the wrong message about how it treats employees with medical needs.
Baeza Law Pursues Full Accountability
Baeza Law Firm continues to press for Taylor’s reinstatement and is preparing to advance the case through both administrative and legal channels.
“Our job is to protect workers who have been marginalized, silenced, or sidelined when they needed support,” Baeza said. “Coach Taylor asked for help. Instead, he got punished. That is not just wrong. It is unlawful. And we intend to prove that.”
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