Kaplan Quoted in Cincinnati Business Courier Story Titled “Could the Obese Become a Protected Class?”

Andrew Kaplan, a partner in the Vorys Cincinnati office and a member of the labor and employment group, was quoted in a Cincinnati Business Courier story regarding the American Medical Association’s decision to classify obesity as a disease.  The story highlighted the potential implications this decision could have on employers. 

The story states:

“The decision carries no legal authority. But it could influence policymakers, said Andy Kaplan, a partner in the labor and employment practice of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease.

‘This probably increases the chance that obesity will be put in a protected category,’ he said. ‘If that were to happen, then I think employers could expect to see wrongful discharge or failure-to-hire litigation based on alleged obesity discrimination.’

Among the current federally protected categories, with some exceptions, are race, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin and age over 40.”

To read the entire story, visit the Business Courier website.