Genetic information discrimination involves treating someone less favorably because of his or her genetic information. Genetic information is defined as “information about an individual’s genetic tests and the genetic tests of an individual’s family members, as well as information about the manifestation of disease or disorder in an individual’s family members (i.e., family medical history).”
Genetic information is protected at the federal, state, and university level. Most prominently, Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, which prohibits the use of genetic information in employment, restricts the acquisition of genetic information about applicants and employees and imposes strict confidentiality requirements, assists in governing this protected class.
Examples of inappropriate conduct based on genetic information include, but are not limited to, refusal to hire a qualified individual because of the individual’s genetic information or family history, disparaging remarks about an individual’s genetic information or family history, or attempts to gather an individual’s genetic information or family history.
ECU prohibits harassment and discrimination on the basis of genetic information under the Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Plan, Notice of Nondiscrimination, and the Unlawful Workplace policies.