Weight Bias: The next civil rights issue?
Americans who are overweight face discrimination daily. They're not hired, they can be fired, or denied a raise or promotion, simply because they're considered "too fat." Yet such discrimination is often legal. Should that change?
View the entire show by playing the 30-minute video above or choose shorter segments of the show below.
Use
the caption button on movie player control bar to toggle captions on and
off. Flash Player
10 is required to view this movie. Download
Flash Player here.
Short Clips
-
From the Mailbag: Can an Employer Ask about Marriage Plans?
Her fiancé lives in another city. Can her boss ask if she plans to move away to join him? (1:41 min)
-
Interview with Yvonne Shorts Lind
How prevalent is weight discrimination? What does the law say? A prominent equal opportunity consultant provides some answers—in advance of a workshop scheduled for Human Rights Day. (11:06 min)
-
Mistakes Employers Make: Improper Medical Questions
If the question begins, "Have you ever had…" it's probably not one an employer should ask. (3:22 min)
-
Case History: Discrimination at a Hair Salon
When a salon employee allegedly refuses to cut the hair of a young Mexican girl, a mother charges discrimination. (3:14 min)
-
Counterpoint: Should Weight Discrimination be Illegal?
There are arguments on both sides of that issue. This short clip summarizes some of those arguments, pro and con. (4:46 min)
-
Human Rights Quick Tip: Keep Records
What happened? When? Were there any witnesses? If you file a charge with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, having good records will help. (2:07 min)
-
Rights You Don't Have: Freedom of Speech
What happens if you express your opinion at work—and your boss doesn't happen to like your opinion? (2:35 min)
