Pregnancy Discrimination?

[girlcop]

I am a full time police officer at a public University in Massachusetts. I am pregnant and was told by my doctor that I was no longer allowed to do my police job as outlined in my job description and that I was to go on light duty. Upon telling the Human Resources dept., I have been informed that the University, and specifically the department I work for, has no such thing as light duty. Since my doctor has already told me that I can't do my job, and the University will not provide some type of alternate duty, I will be forced to go on disability for the remaing 7 months of my pregnancy. Approximately 2 years ago, another female officer in the same situation was granted light duty. There have been other case-by-case exceptions that have been made in the past as well. Is this legal for the University to not attempt to make any accomodations for me in my situation?

Thanks in advance!

[LConnell]

While it would not be discriminatory, on the basis of pregnancy for them to give light duty to one pregnant woman and not another, it would be illegal discrimination if the decision was based on factors such as race, religion, national origin, disability, etc.

While it is acceptable for an employer not to have to create a light duty job for a person, it seems that a employer as large as a university would have some sort of light duty available. Is it that you don't have any other skills, such as administrative skills (typing, answering the phone, etc.)? Or, have you said that you don't want to perform any other type of work?

If you are interested in retaining employment, rather than go out on leave, make sure that you not restrict yourself too heavily...just what the doctor recommends and nothing else. If there isn't discrimination and you have too many restrictions to be place in another job, your employer can force you to go out early.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[girlcop]

Thanks for the information. To be honest, I haven't demanded or refused any offer because nothing has been offered! I have a positive history at this University as I was a student and member of the student services staff prior to becoming a police oficer, so many are aware of my range of abilities and knowledege beyond police work. We'll see what happens I guess.

[LConnell]

Perhaps you can let them know that youa re willing to accept any light duty assignment. It would be best if you could put it in the form of a letter. Mail it by certified mail, so that you have proof that it was received. This will help your case should you feel it necessary to show that there was discrimination.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.