A man who wanted to become an Atlanta police officer tells FOX 5 he was rejected because his blood test came back HIV positive. The unnamed man hired a lawyer and sued the city, and on Tuesday afternoon, city officials agreed to settle the claim for $250,000, which is sure to sting taxpayers' wallets.
The man field legal action in 2008, and was given the false name Richard Roe for the court proceedings. His lawyer said the city utilized "myths, fears, negative reactions and stereotypes" to deny his application.
The man submitted an independent medical review which included a statement from a nurse. In that statement, the nurse said, "His (unnamed police recruit) condition was well-controlled and not transmitted through casual human contact."
The city argued there was no discrimination in this case, but top city officials argue the practice that had been followed for more than two decades was to not let HIV positive candidates through. Now, they say, that has all changed. Currently, officials say there are several officers on the force who are indeed HIV positive, and they have undergone exhaustive tests to ensure they are able to do their jobs successfully despite their conditions.
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Saturday, May 18 2013 4:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 20:53:02 GMT
Security will be tight and traffic will be messy around the Morehouse College campus on Sunday. President Barack Obama will address graduates at the college's commencement ceremony.
Security will be tight and traffic will be messy around the Morehouse College campus on Sunday. President Barack Obama will address graduates at the college's commencement ceremony.
Saturday, May 18 2013 3:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 19:44:49 GMT
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
State officials are reminding drivers the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign is set to begin and could translate to fines for drivers and passengers who aren't wearing seatbelts.
State officials are reminding drivers the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign is set to begin and could translate to fines for drivers and passengers who aren't wearing seatbelts.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:59 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:59:14 GMT
Who wants to a millionaire? How about 600 times over?
Who wants to a millionaire? How about 600 times over? The already gigantic Powerball jackpot for this Saturday night's drawing has risen again, hitting $600 million at noon on Friday—which is the highest in the history of the game.
