Academy for Eating Disorders opposes proposed EEOC policy interpretation

The Academy for Eating Disorders has joined with significant national and international medical associations opposing a proposed Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) policy interpretation that would allow employers to inquire about employees' private genetic or medical data. Such requested information is unrelated to an employee's ability to do his or her job and penalizes the employee who chooses to keep this information private. A letter expressing grave concern about the interpretation, and signed by 68 organizations, was sent to the EEOC.

The proposed policy interpretation violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is intended to protect all Americans from workplace discrimination on the basis of disability. The ADA prohibits employers from subjecting employees to medical inquiries and examinations that are not job-related, unless those inquiries are voluntary and asked as part of an employee health program.

The AED opposes the proposed policy interpretation because people who suffer from eating disorders are especially vulnerable if forced to participate in wellness programs and screenings that violate privacy rights and create financial hardship. Wellness programs typically focus on nutrition and weight, which can be especially detrimental to those prone to eating disorders.

The AED applauds and supports the work of BingeBehavior.com, BEDA, the Eating Disorder Coalition, and others within the eating disorder community who have worked to identify and define the potential impact the proposed interpretation would have on the health and wellness of those with or in recovery from eating disorders.

United with various organizations in the eating disorder field, the AED is urging the Commission to withdraw this rule and maintain strong civil rights protections for all Americans.