Despite the overall lack of state level legislation, there are some cities in the United States that have made weight and height a protected category for anti-discrimination. These include San Francisco and Santa Cruz, California; Binghamton, New York; Madison, Wisconsin; and Urbana, Illinois.
Actual Disability Under the ADA, a disability means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. ing to the EEOC, this means that minor conditions of short duration, such as sprains, generally won't be covered. (Q&A #4).
Conclusion: if an individual has a Body Mass Index of 40 or more, so is classified as 'morbidly obese', they might be disabled if the obesity has a real impact on their ability to participate in work.
The workplace is a common setting where weight bias and discrimination occur. Employees who have a higher body weight face weight-based inequities in employment including unfair hiring practices, lower wages, fewer promotions, harassment from co-workers, and unfair job termination.
People with obesity weigh more than what is considered the healthy weight for their height. In the medical community, obesity is defined as a BMI of 30.0 or higher. No specific weight or BMI establishes obesity as a severe impairment within the disability program.
The vast majority of courts have held that obesity is not a disability under the ADA unless it is caused by an underlying health condition. Some federal district courts, as well as many state courts, have held that obesity is a disability even absent evidence of an underlying health condition.
Weight stigma or bias generally refers to negative weight-related attitudes toward an individual with excess weight or obesity. These attitudes are often manifested by negative stereotypes (e.g., that persons with obesity are “lazy” or “lacking in willpower”), social rejection and prejudice.
Proving workplace discrimination in California can be one of the most difficult steps in a successful discrimination case. It can also be complex, confusing and frustrating.
You may submit your completed Discrimination Complaint to the OEO by mail, fax, or email. By Mail: Office of Equal Opportunity. P. O. Box 6123. Mail Drop 1119. Phoenix, AZ 85005-6123. By Fax: (602) 364-3982. By Email: Office of Equal Opportunity. officeofequalopportunity@azdes.
A written complaint to OSPI must include the following information: A description the conduct or incident—use facts (what, who and when) An explanation of why you believe unlawful discrimination has taken place. Your name and contact information, including a mailing address.