November 3, 2005
NAAFA demands that fat individuals have equal access to employment. Hiring, firing, and promotional decisions should be based upon an applicant's or employee's qualifications, competence, and abilities.
A recently released internal memo from Wal-Mart suggests the giant chain may avoid hiring fat people (and older people) in the future, in an attempt to reduce the cost of health benefits. NAAFA denounces this discriminatory policy and urges Wal-Mart to create an inclusive work environment for people of all sizes and ages.
There is significant controversy among medical professionals about the assumption that being fat, in and of itself, causes illness. Employment decisions should not be made based on prejudicial assumptions about the health status of an entire demographic group.
NAAFA advocates the introduction, passage, enactment, and enforcement of local, state, and federal legislation which adds "height and weight" to the categories protected under statutory laws on equal employment opportunities.
NAAFA encourages people of all sizes to take a stand against weight prejudice and discrimination.
Founded in 1969, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance is a non-profit human rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for fat people. NAAFA works to eliminate discrimination based on body size and provide fat people with the tools for self-empowerment through public education, advocacy, and member support.
On the web: http://www.naafa.org
For more information contact:
Peggy Howell, Public Relations Chairman
National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance
E-mail: naafa_pr@yahoo.com
Phone: (707)246-6116