Damages

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that the Transportation Security Administration illegally discriminated against a disabled Transportation Security Officer, and awarded him back pay, attorney fees, and $150,000 in damages. It's always unfortunate, I think, when a turning point for an employer comes in the form of a lawsuit or a ruling. Disabled folks have as much to offer as the rest of us, and their skills are dramatically underutilized, especially in the federal workforce. I never really understand where the impulse to behave in a discriminatory fashion comes from. But I REALLY don't understand it when such discrimination runs counter to your own interests of finding the best folks and finding good ways to use their talent.