Air Force Vet Denied Baggage Screening Job Because He Has HIV

This week the ACLU filed an appeal to the decision by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to disqualify Air Force Veteran Michael Lamarre from a baggage screening job because he has HIV.

After living with HIV for 19 years, Michael's viral load is nearly undetectable and he has never had any of the medical conditions associated with AIDS. To stay in shape, Michael bikes 30-70 miles every weekend, and last November he completed a 165 mile bike ride for charity. Even with a letter from his physician, stating unequivocally that Michael's HIV would not interfere with his job performance, Michael was disqualified for the job by the TSA because of his HIV status.

In June, the ACLU filed an initial complaint on Michael's behalf charging that the TSA was violating its own policy barring discrimination against people with disabilities. The TSA responded in July, claiming it was justified in refusing Michael a job as a baggage handler in order to protect his health because his lowered immune system made him vulnerable to infectious diseases at the airport. After TSA denied Michael's initial complaint, the ACLU filed a formal complaint with the TSA this week explaining to the agency that its reasons for refusing to hire Michael are based on incorrect assumptions about the health risks of people with HIV.

For information on this case and the ACLU's HIV/AIDS advocacy work, visit: http://www.aclu.org/hiv/discrim/39827res20090611.html

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.


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