IBM Vows Not to Genetically Discriminate

An anonymous reader writes "Today the New York Times is reporting that IBM announced the addition of genetic makeup (Genetic Registration Required) to its non-discrimination policy. It appears that IBM is the first company worldwide to do this. With congress considering genetic privacy legislation, and with projects like the National Geographic Genographic Project, are we nearing the time when we all need to worry about our genetic privacy?"

Comments

however...

[Brunellus]

they reaffirmed their commitment to constantly split infinitives...

Re:however...

[cerelib]

I hope that you realize that "to constantly split" is a split infinitive.

Re:however...

[CapnGrunge]

Unobligatory fortune reference:

William Safire's Rules for Writers:
                Remember to never split an infinitive. The passive voice
should never be used. Do not put statements in the negative form.
Verbs have to agree with their subjects. Proofread carefully to see if
you words out. If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a
great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing. A
writer must not shift your point of view. And don't start a sentence
with a conjunction. (Remember, too, a preposition is a terrible word
to end a sentence with.) Don't overuse exclamation marks!! Place
pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10
or more words, to their antecedents. Writing carefully, dangling
participles must be avoided. If any word is improper at the end of a
sentence, a linking verb is. Take the bull by the hand and avoid
mixing metaphors. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky. Everyone
should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in
their writing. Always pick on the correct idiom. The adverb always
follows the verb. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague;
seek viable alternatives.

Huh?

[sdirrim]

How would someone be discriminated against based on Genetic Material?

Sorry, but you have a AGGTAGTGCACA sequence. We can't hire you.

Re:Huh?

[Hope Thelps]

How would someone be discriminated against based on Genetic Material?

Sadly it happens all the time. Where I work we won't even consider job applications by tomato plants despite the fact that the only differences between them and human employees arise from their genetics.

Good news!

[nurhussein]

Well that's good news for those of us who were born with a genetic anomaly that gives us a superhealing factor and retractable claws! We'll have no problems applying for work at IBM!

*snikt!*

Hmmm...

[Musteval]

I'm only stupid because of genetic makeup! IBM, hire me or I'll sue you for genetic discrimination!

Re:Hmmm...

[BrookHarty]

I'm only stupid because of genetic makeup! IBM, hire me or I'll sue you for genetic discrimination!

I'm sure they have a manager position on the OS/2 new markets division.

See, we don't need government regulation

[Overzeetop]

Here's a shining example. IBM has stepped up to the plate in the non-discrimination game. I say that we should table all legislation on genetic discrimination, and let the corporations police themselves. We know that they will all do the right thing. Those that don't will be judged in the marketplace for their decisions. The strong will prevail and the weak disappear. It's a win-win for everyone, and avoids needless government regulation where it can only be a hindrance to our economy.

Besides, there's no need for government interference, unless you have something genetic you need to hide, right? :-)

Mutants still need to register

[MECC]

But won't be discrimitated against...

What Gets Between Me and My Genes? Nothing.

[kurosawdust]

I for one am in favor of this law, as it allows me to finally realize my childhood dream of being a billionaire scientist astronaut who plays for the NBA.

Re:This will be tested

[lowe0]

"What does a company do when a gene is found that causes a 100% chance of the individual being sociopathic?"

Give them a reality TV show?

Geriatric Discrimination

[Genady]

I read the article head as the above and thought, hey cool, IBM's not gonna be axing my old mainframer friends (yes a UNIX admin can have tn3270 friends). Imagine my surprise. Well, here's hopin' they'll eventually get around to helping the boomers keep their jobs.

You know what they say...

[An Onerous Coward]

We don't need genetic privacy. If your genes aren't doing anything wrong, then you have nothing to hide, right?

Will not discriminate, but it will harass you

[digitaldc]

If Big Blue finds out you are genetically defective and a possible future health liability, it triggers its Harass 2.0 application to run.
Harass 2.0 will then make your work a living hell by randomly erasing your computer's data, adding files with inappropriate material, and spam you incessantly into finally making you quit your job. Benefits are then terminated, problem solved.