The Village of Westmont will pay $125,000 to a man who was denied a job in the police department, settling a lawsuit against the town for HIV discrimination, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund announced.
‘This settlement is a tremendous victory for people with HIV who continue to face discrimination in the workplace,’ said Camilla Taylor, the Chicago-based Lambda Legal staff attorney who worked on the case. ‘Our client was denied a job regardless of how well he could perform the duties. This kind of HIV discrimination isn’t just illegal—it keeps people from pursuing their professional dreams.’
‘Richard Roe’ is a police officer who wanted to continue his chosen career with a local police department in Illinois. He emerged as a favorite for the job in Westmont, a village of 25,000 west of Chicago. With his experience, he easily passed the initial screening, including a physical ability test, a written exam and a psychological evaluation. But Roe tested positive for HIV. A doctor, chosen by the police, said Roe was fully able to do the job and that he did not pose a threat to others.
In addition to the monetary portion of the settlement, police commissioners will undergo annual training for the next three years on HIV-related issues, both on how HIV is transmitted and legal issues. Westmont officials also agreed to stop using pre-employment medical exams or screenings, and not ask whether applicants have tested positive for HIV. The department has agreed to a an HIV non-discrimination policy.