[Spktyr]

Except for the minor little fact that she was placed on leave and not fired. Her services were no longer wanted but by the terms of her contract they still have to pay her and provide benefits. Basically, all that's happened here is that she gets to sit around at home and get paid to do nothing until the contract is up, at which point they simply will not renew it. There are no legal grounds that I can think of that she can challenge this on.

[wmichgrad]

This is true. But, the fact that she was placed on leave could be used as proof of discrimination in a suit if they do not renew her contract. Discriminating in not hiring someone is the same as firing someone for the same reason. I am not saying I agree or disagree with either side. This is just my view on how the law would be enforced.

[ApplegateRanch]

Except for the minor little fact that she was placed on leave and not fired. Her services were no longer wanted but by the terms of her contract they still have to pay her and provide benefits. Basically, all that's happened here is that she gets to sit around at home and get paid to do nothing

She asked for "maternity leave", and now she is complaining because they essentially gave it to her?