A man who wanted to become an Atlanta police officer tells FOX 5 he was rejected because his blood test came back HIV positive. The unnamed man hired a lawyer and sued the city, and on Tuesday afternoon, city officials agreed to settle the claim for $250,000, which is sure to sting taxpayers' wallets.
The man field legal action in 2008, and was given the false name Richard Roe for the court proceedings. His lawyer said the city utilized "myths, fears, negative reactions and stereotypes" to deny his application.
The man submitted an independent medical review which included a statement from a nurse. In that statement, the nurse said, "His (unnamed police recruit) condition was well-controlled and not transmitted through casual human contact."
The city argued there was no discrimination in this case, but top city officials argue the practice that had been followed for more than two decades was to not let HIV positive candidates through. Now, they say, that has all changed. Currently, officials say there are several officers on the force who are indeed HIV positive, and they have undergone exhaustive tests to ensure they are able to do their jobs successfully despite their conditions.
CLICK ON THE VIDEO ABOVE TO WATCH MORSE DIGGS' FULL REPORT.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:00 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:00:05 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:57 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:57:46 GMT
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning.
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning. Fire crews say the bus stalled on the railroad tracks in downtown Decatur, and those onboard had just seconds to get out before an oncoming train hit it.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:48 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:48:00 GMT
Local families are taking a serious look at storm shelters in the aftermath of Monday's deadly tornado in Oklahoma.
Local families are taking a serious look at storm shelters in the aftermath of Monday's deadly tornado in Oklahoma. Those shelters could mean the difference between life and death when faced with one of these powerful storms.
