June 11, 2009

Air Force Vet Refused Job Based on HIV Status

An Air Force veteran was denied a position as a baggage screener with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) because he is HIV positive. On June 11, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a complaint against the TSA on his behalf, demanding that the organization rescind his disqualification from the job.

“I was looking for a way to be able to serve my country once again and to supplement my income through this financial crisis with the possibility of changing my career,” Michael Lamarre said in a statement. “But after a lengthy interview and screening process, I was told that I am incapable and unworthy because I have HIV.”

He continued: “I am a long-term HIV survivor, and it has never interfered in my ability to work. As I have learned having lived with HIV for nearly 20 years, people with HIV need to be able to make a living and support themselves just like everyone else as well as have the right to serve their country.”

From 1984 to 1987, Lamarre worked in intelligence for the National Security Administration while serving in the Air Force. He has lived with HIV for 19 years and currently has an undetectable viral load. After submitting his most recent lab results for a required physical—including a form from his doctor stating that HIV would not interfere with his baggage screener duties—he was denied the job.

Comprehensive Health Services, the firm administering the physical, said that HIV makes him more susceptible for viral infections, and that denying him the position was for his own good.

“In the nearly 20 years that Michael Lamarre has lived with HIV, it has never affected his ability to work,” said Robert Rosenwald, director of the LGBT Project of the ACLU of Florida, in a statement. “HIV discrimination is always wrong, but it is especially shameful when government is behind the discrimination.  I hope the TSA recognizes the harm it is causing Michael and our country by refusing to hire a highly motivated and qualified employee.”

Search: Air Force, veteran, baggage screener, Transportation Security Administration, Michael Lamarre, National Security Administration, Comprehensive Health Services, ACLU

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Previous Comments:

JM, , 2009-09-04 00:56:50
I found out I was HIV+ after I had joined the Air Force. I was kicked out because of it.

bigsekzy, nyc, 2009-07-23 23:41:45
never ever ever divulge your status to a prospective employer. unless you have a job where bodily fluids could possibly be exchanged. they may not say it but they will use it as an excuse not to hire you or to fire you. they are not your sexual partner they don't need to know your hiv status. its a need to know basis and they don't need to know!

ds, missouri, 2009-07-21 21:22:58
Now this is a disgusting way to treat a man that is trying to work and certified capable by his physician. Shameful! Why don't they just admit they are bigoted , discriminatory, and want to keep their insurance costs in the basement?

TeachUCF, Winter Park, FL, 2009-06-17 17:47:36
Sounds like Obama ought to have educational classes for his government agencies. I'm sure that Michael has be subjected to more than just viral infections over the years, so using that as an excuse is just a crock. The TSA should have more than their hands slapped. It is time that the general public woke up to the fact that people with HIV are no different than people with heart disease or diabetes. Using HIV an an excuse by any company should be outlawed once and for all.

janet, florida, 2009-06-17 10:46:33
Welcome to the recession! The truth of the matter is that there are 100s of people competing for the ever shrinking # of available jobs - employers will select healthy people over HIV people - and that is their choice - no matter how unfair it is. I have been unemployed since 10/08 and this HIV is one hurdle that employers cannot seem to overcome.They can't seem to understand that we want jobs not welfare!

Jay Cooney, Jax, Fl, 2009-06-16 21:26:22
This is unreal! I am an HIV positive air traffic controller and I work for the FAA..yes the government. Just a different department of the government. I am required to get blood work done every 3 months to satisfy their medical requirements, but I have never been discriminated against. I love my job and I am very disappointed to hear that another department of our government has acted so irresponsibly. I hope this guy brings a major lawsuit upon the TSA and CHS medical!! Email them and be heard!

Tim Sanders, Reno, NV., 2009-06-16 16:03:24
If everyone who has read this article has not written to this company, then shame on you. The email address is "govsales at chsmedical.com". Tens of thousands of letters should be streaming from you, your friends and your contacts to let this company know that it is they and companies like them that drive people to NOT test for HIV and prolong the epidemic status of this disease. You can also call them. Google them and get the numbers. Everyone should call between 11am and 1pm on Thurs the 18th

Bill, Long Beach, 2009-06-16 12:27:32
....AND THE HATE & STIGMA MARCHES ON..." WHERE'S "ACT UP??" PROTEST PROTEST PROTEST THE HOMOPHOBES IN THE TSA(THE STUPID AS*-WIPES)

Ops_guy, , 2009-06-16 11:47:12
I interviewed with TSA and was 'offered' a job. I then went for the physical and disclosed my HIV status. I was then subjected to a string of "additional medical information" requests until I gave up. No doubt about it, TSA is discriminatory and they do not want people with HIV working for them. I consider it a blessing as I now know what a screwed up organization TSA is. They are really, really bad and look as some of the people they do hire! Absolutely horrible organization.

Rosetta, Buffalo, 2009-06-16 10:22:21
SAD...SAD...SAD