Comments: The Bipolar Cop Wins
I read the article a while ago and I am really happy for her. It's a sad world that we live in when people who sue employers for discrimination against disability (mental illness that "flares up" so to speak is a disability), have little to no shot at winning because they're painted to be crazies, despite an excellent job performance.
*sigh* I'm less optimistic, man. I think 15 years from now, it'll be the same as right now like it was 15 years ago. It'll take much more than that to change people's thinking on mental illness.
Posted by Marissa Miller at January 23, 2007 06:57 AM
Outstanding!
Posted by Stephany at January 23, 2007 08:07 AM
Amen!
Posted by CL Psy at January 23, 2007 11:28 AM
great news. kudos to angie!
Posted by Lily at January 23, 2007 06:28 PM
How wonderful for her.. In my case, among other things, discrimination with respect to my being blatantly denied a return to light duty work as prescribed by the [therapist] still.. stings five years later..
Don't know for a fact how it is exactly, but, for the inquiring eye trying desperately to research for their own "case", the clock may prove an enemy, too, as I have experienced, well, was definitely told that the [statute of limitations] runs out *very* quickly for someone with mental illness who is wronged either medically or related to employment discrimination..
The 180 days that was quoted to me (two years into things) is cruel.. It can be years before someone finds him- or herself in a position to seek (legal) accountability..
So very happy for Angela.. She'll bring new to hope to A LOT of people out there.. :)
Posted by Cindy Sue Causey at January 23, 2007 08:15 PM
Yay, Angela! You go, girl! You had as much guts taking the fight to these assholes as you did on the job.
Posted by John McManamy at January 23, 2007 09:43 PM
Please do let us all know if you should somehow come across a BP discrimination case in which the victim wins. I don't think there are any. I've already shared my story about being dismissed from a LAW firm after a psychiatrist and neurologist both corresponded with the law firm that I should be moved to an office with more light. They refused, and then had multiple issues with the sunlamp I brought in as well. I'd love to hear from others who are actually getting accommodations and having GOOD experiences in the workplace. Sadly, I never hear any.
Posted by Laura at January 24, 2007 01:14 PM
Angie, I'm happy that you were able to get a settlement, that's awesome! Congrats!
For you both: Thank you for sticking to your guns and digging in for a fight. The result is great for Angie but the step up for the rest of bp's is long overdue. Thanks for blazing a trail.
Posted by Priscilla at January 25, 2007 03:22 PM
"I'd love to hear from others who are actually getting accommodations and having GOOD experiences in the workplace. Sadly, I never hear any."
I've had the real fortune of working for several organizations that totally supported me in times of trouble. I've always been open about my illness and only once, with one fucked up supervisor and then, hence, the organization, did I have any hassle. I worked in CA for various social service agencies. I took time off...up to 4 months at a time many times over the course of my 12 year career and always got my job back and was welcomed back like the good employee that I was.
Now like I said, there was the one exception. It really turned into a nightmare...so I'm well aware of how it can go. I quit that job though...they actually were too "PC" to fire me but they made it totally impossible for me to work there.
Anyway...not everyone are assholes out there.
Posted by Gianna at January 26, 2007 06:16 AM
Hey Philip, Rick gave you a shout-out on this one:
http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/blogs/dailyweekly/2007/02/one_for_the_bipolars.php
Posted by MvB at February 1, 2007 02:15 PM