ACLU Settles Discrimination Suit in Rhode Island

The American Civil Liberties Union has settled a medical discrimination suit against the city of East Providence, Rhode Island filed on behalf of a former state legislator who wanted a job as assistant harbormaster.

The Rhode Island chapter of the ACLU sued the city of behalf of Michael Damiani, a former state senator and police officer who retired after a heart attack.

He was asked to take a “vigorous” physical in 2007 when he applied.

The ACLU alleged the physical requirement was unlawful because it discriminated against Damiani due to his disability.

Mayor Joseph Larisa Jr. tells The Providence Journal that he still thinks requesting Damiani to take a physical was a reasonable request, but the city settled on the advice of its insurer.

Under terms of the settlement, Damiani will get $7,000 in damages and $15,000 in attorney’s fees.