* Support Bill to End Discrimination Based on Height and Weight *
The Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is considering a bill, sponsored by Byron Rushing, which would make it illegal for employers to discriminate based on height and weight. Jurisdictions in the United States routinely protect citizens from discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, and sexual orientation. Yet is it perfectly legal to deny employment, promotion or raises based on a person's height. That discrimination is real. Research shows that short people lose about $800/year per inch of height
Only one other state, Michigan, makes it illegal to discriminate based on person's height or weight. These protections were added to their discrimination laws in 1979. Since then we have seen very little progress. The only other governments that have similar protections are the cities of San Francisco and Santa Cruz.
Now there is an opportunity to correct these injustices but action is required. If you are a resident of Massachusetts, please contact your State Senator and District Representative and ask that they support this bill.
*Current Status* - Representative Rushing has reintroduced the bill as H1850. Testimony will be heard on January 27, 2010 in Boston, MA.
Beyond Measure: A memoir about short stature and inner growth (Pearlsong Press) by Ellen Frankel LCSW is available now. Pick up a copy of the book at http://www.pearlsong.com or call 1-866-4-A-PEARL. This book comes highly recommended by NOSSA. The ISBN number of the book is 978-1-59719-005-3. You can also pick up a copy at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Visit Ellen's website for more information at: http://www.beyondmeasureamemoir.com/
Interested in therapy?
Diane Sardanopoli provides counseling services for short statured adults in Northern New Jersey. Diane specializes in working with individuals of all ages who struggle with their short stature as well as individuals who have experienced loss and grief. She conducts psychotherapy groups for short statured adolescents and adults. She also facilitates the GriefRecovery® Outreach Program, psycho-educational groups for parents of short statured children and parenting groups. Diane is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Christian Child Therapist and a Certified GriefRecovery® Specialist. She provides counseling to children, adolescents and adults. You can contact Diane by clicking here.
Recovery® Outreach Program, psycho-educational groups for parents of short statured children and parenting groups. Diane is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Christian Child Therapist and a Certified Grief