Accommodation as a Weapon

Summary:

A high-performing staff member disclosed a chronic health condition and requested remote work flexibility. Leadership agreed — then began excluding them from key meetings, assigning less visible work, and citing “fairness to others” as a reason for reduced opportunities. Eventually, the employee was let go during restructuring.

Ethical Lens:

• The misuse of accommodation as a justification for exclusion

• Legal obligations under disability law

• “Fairness” narratives that reinforce inequity

Leadership Insight:

Accommodation without inclusion is still exclusion. Equity isn’t about treating everyone the same — it’s about giving people what they need to contribute fully.