An employee was hired as general manager of a new assisted-living facility. For several months, she received positive feedback on her progress. At a meeting, two supervisors inquired about her child-rearing plans. She admitted that she planned to have children and was fired two weeks later. She was replaced by a 60-year-old woman. Her supervisor’s manual included a policy on progressive discipline that was generally adhered to. However, she also received and signed a disclaimer that stated in part: “I understand that [neither] the policies and procedures of the facility, nor the Handbook . . . are intended to constitute a contractual agreement. …I understand that my employment is ‘at will.’ …” What should the court decide? Why?
