Legal Question in Disability Law in Mississippi
Is This Statement OK?
I recently went to meet with a Human Resources Director. He asked a question and made a statement that didn't seem appropriate. First, he asked where my Daddy works and then where my brother works (what type work they do). The statement that was made was, ''Your handicap is not going to open any doors for you. It's not gonna slam any in your face either''. I have serebral palsy. I have talked with several HR people and they are shocked that something like that was said and can't believe it. I'm curious if it's ok for a question like that and a statement like that to be made. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Is This Statement OK?
Unfortunately, the statement seems completely neutral. The fact that he brought up your palsy is suspect, but would 99% sure pass muster before nearly every federal judge I've ever been in front of.
The questions about your father were irrelevant, but not discriminatory, unless of course there is some racial, age, ability stigma attached in your area, such as all the black engineers work for X, and everyone knows that company Y doesn't hire black engineers. That sort of thing.
The interviewer may have been just breaking the ice (ha!), but you also have/had the choice of not answering by changing the subject. if he persisted, you could have asked what in the job description related to your father's employment.
You'll need much more for a claim of discrimination.
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