Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press - 26 Jul 95
Bruce Taylor, 31, a former aide and press secretary to Collins, D-Mich., was earning $40,000 when he was fired Dec. 9, 1994, two days after his partner died of AIDS.
In a confidential decision, the Office of Fair Employment Practice ruled Tuesday that Taylor was fired because Collins and her chief of staff, Meredith Cooper, thought he was HIV positive.
"The Office of Fair Employment Practices finds that (Taylor) was terminated because he was perceived to be HIV positive or to have AIDS and would require time off for health reasons," wrote hearing officer Edward Hosken Jr.
"There has been a favorable decision," Taylor said Wednesday. He declined to comment further, citing ongoing discussions with the Office of Fair Unemployment Practice. Taylor's attorney, Martha Wolfort, did not return telephone messages seeking comment.
Collins' press secretary, Lillian German, said Collins was appealing the decision.
Taylor was seeking back pay, legal fees and $50,000 in damages under the Americans With Disabilities Act. The office ruled that he should get back pay and pay up until July 31, unless he finds another job before that date, along with reimbursement for legal fees.
Collins has denied discriminating against Taylor, calling the accusation "totally ludicrous."
Collins testified at a closed-door hearing of the Office of Fair Employment Practice in June that she never thought Taylor was ill with AIDS or HIV positive, according to the official minutes of the proceedings obtained by The Associated Press.
The Democratic congresswoman said Taylor was fired because the office was downsizing by six positions after the Republican election victory, and a decision was made that a press secretary was not needed.
Taylor said Collins and chief of staff Cooper were aware his partner was dying of AIDS. He said Collins had asked him if he had AIDS, and he said no.
Copyright 1995/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
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Copyright © 1995 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
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