What Does Equality Mean?
This is a question that has pervaded discussions of discrimination for as long as the idea has existed. What does it mean to be equal? Where does the idea of reasonable accommodation begin and end? The answers are still nebulous, but one thing is certain: we aren’t there yet. Far from it, in fact.
To read about a recent case of discrimination in the courts, click here.
Until we do achieve equality in society, Justice for Employees With Disabilities is fighting to ensure that no discrimination case goes un-publicised and no story of unfair treatment goes untold.
Recently, they published a new accounting of a case that could have significant implications for the employment tribunal system in the future. Let’s take a look together.
The Case
This story revolves around a case that occurred in England, and was witnessed first-hand by those who contributed to the article. The employee in question experienced discrimination at every level, showcasing the myriad ways that employees are often failed by the very systems intended to keep the workplace fair and balanced.
In this case, an unnamed employee who had long suffered from a severe hearing disability sought to bring a discrimination case against their employer relating to failures to accommodate their circumstances. However, during the hearing, the employee discovered that this failure extended to the justice system itself.
The Specifics
As JED explains, the employee had learned to lip read and to evaluate expressions as a main form of communication with others. This attunement to nonverbal communication allowed the employee to pick up on subtle exchanges between the barrister and judge in the courtroom that suggested that the hearing itself was not impartial, and that the barrister was not truly an advocate, and was in fact in cahoots with the judge. Further investigation revealed additional institutional flaws in how the case was conducted, leading to an appeal being launched.
Hear the full story in podcast form at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fight-for-employees-with-disabilities-learn-about/id1512707750?i=1000679205504
What Are The Implications Of This?
The coverage then goes on to explore solutions to this pervasive issue of impartiality in the employee tribunal system. Sunglasses to conceal a judge’s face, AI monitoring systems, and stricter regulations are all among the solutions they propose, though they admit that there is no simple solution to a problem such as this.
JED highlights this case as an example of a much larger problem, one which extends to the highest levels of the political system. To face these challenges, they claim, the fight for disability rights must be intensified and awareness campaigns spread further in order to reach as many people as possible.
Join The Fight
They have pledged to continue publishing the stories of disabled employees who have been victimised by an unjust system. If you are interested in joining the fight, visit the link below.
To hear another story of discrimination in the workplace, visit https://justicefewd-newsletter-9d5eee.beehiiv.com/p/unexpected-beginnings-dfa3fc7efac1f993
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