Dear Judy,
I’m a director of Human Resources at a very big outfit I won’t name. A number of prospective hires have come my way, but I’ve been pretty much forced (without anyone actually ordering me, if you get my drift…) not to take them on if they either have a chronic illness like cancer or heart disease themselves or if someone close to them does.
I don’t feel right about any of this. Should I say something? Speak up, loud and eloquent? Buck my bosses? Or do as I’ve been (implicitly) told.
Evan
Dear Evan,
I never believe in speaking up and directly confronting an employer — what good does that do?
But I do believe in doing the right thing.
Which means, in your case: to deliberately misunderstand the implicit instructions you’ve been given, and hire whoever’s best for the job.
I know this could mean that your own job is at risk. Only you can figure out how much at risk. But since you asked: it’s the only honorable path to take. And you should take it. Yes, there may be consequences. But there will also likely be legal consequences (ie valid lawsuits from rejected applicants) if you do as instructed by your bosses.
Thank you for writing
Judy
