Former police officer’s disability discrimination claim reinstated
Unilateral reassignment of a disabled employee to a position that the employee does not want when other reasonable accommodation is in place is inappropriate. A federal appeals court ruled to reinstate a former Virginia police officer’s claim for disability discrimination. Michael Steven Wirtes, a Newport News City police officer, was hired as a property crime detective when the heavy, gear-laden belt he wore in his previous unit caused nerve damage, according to Friday's 4th US Circuit ruling on a Richmond Court of Appeal , Virginia, in Michael Steven Wirtes v City of Newport News. Mr. Wirtes was initially able to carry a shoulder holster in his new position, but the department changed their rules to require the wearing of the standard service belt and he was given light duty. Towards the end of his eight-month status as a light service provider, he was offered a civilian position as a logistics manager for the police. The city declined his proposals to wear his equipmen...