MCUL and CUNA File Joint Briefs Defending Credit Unions from ADA Lawsuits

This week, the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL), together with the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), filed two amicus briefs in support of credit unions that were targeted by frivolous lawsuits claiming violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MCUL and CUNA filed briefs in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of Belle River Community Credit Union, based in Casco, and Aeroquip Credit Union in Jackson. Both credit unions are being sued by the same plaintiff.

MCUL has made it a priority since 2017 to combat these lawsuits and assist Michigan credit unions that have been unfairly attacked by them, as has CUNA on the national level.

“CUNA has chosen to strategically focus on specific cases that will serve as important milestones in our defense of credit unions being hit with these predatory lawsuits, and this appellate-level case is one we feel that CUNA and league support can help set binding precedent,” said CUNA President and CEO Jim Nussle. “We’re encouraged by our victory at the appellate level this month, and will continue our work with the leagues to ensure credit unions aren’t harmed by lawsuits taking advantage of a law that protects disabled Americans.”

CUNA achieved an appellate-level victory in the 4th Circuit in January, as Griffin v. DOL FCU was dismissed. The plaintiff in that case was ineligible to join the credit union.

The two briefs filed by MCUL and CUNA argue that the plaintiff lacks standing to join the credit unions in question, and therefore cannot suffer harm by being deprived of services. The briefs cite the CUNA victory in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.