SOCIAL JUSTICE BLOG

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People With Disabilities Triumph Over Discrimination in Foreign Service
Class Action Hall of Fame, Disability Rights Teddy Basham-Witherington Class Action Hall of Fame, Disability Rights Teddy Basham-Witherington

People With Disabilities Triumph Over Discrimination in Foreign Service

The State Department denied me the Class 1 medical clearance necessary to begin a position with the Foreign Service. The agency's only reason was my “diagnosed neurological condition,” based on my 1994 multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.  They did not consider whether my MS would affect my ability to perform the essential functions of a Foreign Service Officer, but rather thwarted my career based on stereotypes about MS. 

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