Rachel Lerner
Wed, 05/24/2023
On May 11, 2023, the New York City Council passed a bill prohibiting discrimination on the basis of one’s height and weight in housing, employment, and in public places. The bill will add weight and height as protected categories under the New York City Human Rights Law. Studies show that weight-based discrimination and stigma impacts a persons ability to enjoy equal and fair treatment in education, employment, housing, access to public accommodation, and medical care. An estimated 2 million people in New York City have experienced discrimination on the basis of weight. Height discrimination was also added to the bill. Studies have shown that height correlates with higher income. New Yorkers who believe they have been discriminated against due to their height or weight can now bring a case to the Commission on Human Rights.
Six other cities have similar laws protecting people against height and weight discrimination: Binghamton, New York; Madison, Wisconsin; Urbana, Illinois; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco, California; and Santa Cruz, California. Only Michigan has a state-wide law protecting people against this type of discrimination.
McGillivary Steele Elkin represents employees who have experienced discrimination in the workplace. If you have experienced discrimination, please contact us at [email protected].
