Skelton v. Birmingham Airport Authority

On December 12, 2018, Brett Skelton, a 22-year-old man with cerebral palsy, and his mother, Michele Skelton, were removed from an American Airlines flight at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. After the crew requested his removal, Birmingham Airport Authority police officers forcibly restrained and handcuffed Brett, causing physical injuries. The Skeltons filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the officers used excessive force, failed to accommodate his disability, and violated his rights under the Fourth Amendment, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. The plaintiffs argued that the officers ignored visible signs of his disability and employed unreasonable force against a non-threatening individual.

In 2021, the Birmingham Airport Authority agreed to a $425,000 settlement to resolve the lawsuit without admitting liability.

Whether the Birmingham Airport Authority police officers used excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment, and whether the Authority discriminated against Brett Skelton by failing to accommodate his disability and treating him differently because of his cerebral palsy, in violation of the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.

The incident drew national attention and prompted widespread condemnation of how law enforcement and airline personnel treat passengers with disabilities. It spurred calls for mandatory disability awareness and de-escalation training for airport police, contributed to broader discussions on reforming the Air Carrier Access Act, and highlighted the need for greater accountability and oversight of airport security practices.