WASHINGTON, D.C. — Andy Hambrook, a true example of bravery, resilience, and doing the right thing, even when it is not easy, voluntarily disclosed his discriminatory practices to his employer and requested accommodations. We thought we’d seen it all at The Squeaky Wheel, but this Senior Recruiter for Big Tech Corporate taught us a thing or two about speaking up when it matters.
“I’m not required by law to disclose that I discriminate,” Hambrook explained, “but when my condition affects my day-to-day life and my ability to perform my job, I must do so – for others, but mostly, for myself.”
Because confidentiality doesn’t matter when courage is involved, he let us sit in on one of his interviews with a potential employee: “You are disabled. I am going to discriminate against you in this job interview,” Hambrook proclaimed to a stunned man in a wheelchair. “There is no scenario in which I was ever going to hire you.” [For privacy, as well as at Hambrook’s request, we will call the man “Wheelchair” instead of his actual name… whatever it is.]
“You’re not allowed to do that,” Wheelchair replied, evoking a hearty chuckle from Hambrook.
“Yes, I am, because I said I was going to. Now, explain to me in detail why you can’t walk anymore. It will not impact your ability to do this job, whatsoever, but I will find a way to say that it does,” Hambrook replied.
Many community members were eager to weigh in, especially Hambrook’s father, Andrew Sr. He was re-reading a newspaper from July 25th, 1990 – coincidentally, the day before the American Disabilities Act passed. He explained, “I read this every day… the good ol’ days. Anyway, my son is doing a public service – even having an interview with a disabled should get him recognized. It’s a kindness, given that they are incapable of working in any capacity.”
Discrimination Rights Activists, fresh off their lobbying in the United States Senate and Congress, gave us a glowing statement: “We refuse to give you a comment if you’ve interacted with someone disabled today.”
The decision on Hambrook’s accommodations request came back from his higher-ups: He’s earned a trip to the unemployment office. Keep fighting the good fight, Andy. We will always stand with you (unless you become disabled).