Patricia Garrett was transferred and demoted from her job as supervising nurse at the University of Alabama's Medical Center hospital after being treated for breast cancer, even though she could still perform her job well. Ms. Garrett took her employer to court. In University of Alabama v. Garrett, the Supreme Court ruled that states were exempt from civil rights law, even when they were guilty of violating their employees' civil rights. The decision slammed the doors of justice shut for Ms. Garrett and millions of Americans with disabilities.