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IBM Vows Not to Genetically Discriminate

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the my-levis-are-better-than-yours dept.

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?"

4 of 297 comments (clear)

  1. Doesn't matter in some states by digitalgimpus · · Score: 4, Informative

    For those who actually bother to know the basics of business law (should really be a college gen ed) would know their states discrimination laws.

    In NJ for example, this practice has been illegal for several years already. I believe a few other states have also outlawed this practice.

  2. Examples by Infonaut · · Score: 4, Informative
    How would someone be discriminated against based on Genetic Material?

    It's not the material itself, but extrapolations based on analysis of the material.

    An analysis of your genetic material indicates that you have a higher than normal chance of becoming mentally unstable. We therefore will not hire you.

    Your genetic material shows a predisposition to a certain inherited disease that is expensive to treat. We don't want our health coverage plan to have to deal with a claim for this sort of disease, so we will not hire you.

    --
    Read the EFF's Fair Use FAQ
  3. Seems relavent by Zach978 · · Score: 4, Informative

    This came up in the NBA recently....

    And more articles from Google...

    --

    "I told you a million times not to exaggerate!"
  4. Re:however... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative
    Attaching this here anon 'cause I didn't see it elsewhere and it's pretty relevant.

    IBM hired it's first black employee in 1899, along with its first women employees. In 1944, IBM was the first corporation to support the United Negro College Fund. IBM began hiring women to work as professional systems service staff in 1935. Thomas J. Watson Sr. wrote: "Men and women will do the same kind of work for equal pay. They will have the same treatment, the same responsibilities and the same opportunities for advancement."

    Pretty damn progressive for the stereotypical big, uncaring megacorp.