Two Michigan Credit Unions Prevail in ADA Website Cases

This morning, the Sixth Circuit reversed the lower court’s decision to not dismiss two cases brought by an individual against two credit unions — Aeroquip Credit Union and Belle River Community Credit Union.

The lawsuits alleged that the defendants’ websites were not in compliance with the Americans with DIsabilities Act (ADA), which was passed in 1990, decades prior to the development of the world wide web and widespread usage of the internet. The court ruled that as the plaintiff was not able to join either credit union, as she was not within their field of membership and did not convey any interest to join, the plaintiff did not suffer an injury entitling her to standing to sue.

“We are thrilled that the Sixth Circuit has now joined with the Fourth and Seventh Circuit this morning when it reversed a Michigan federal court’s refusal to dismiss two cases brought by the same plaintiff,” said MCUL President/CEO Dave Adams. “MCUL, along with CUNA, worked to help Aeroquip and Belle River Community Credit Unions when it was clear that the plaintiff had brought lawsuits without any legal merit. We are committed to working to support credit unions from baseless claims by plaintiff law firms seeking to harass and make money on cases that lack any support in law or fact. We see this decision as a victory for Michigan credit unions as well as all credit unions nationally.”