Bonita, aged 24, had applied for a position at a nursing home as a nursing aide.

She had previously worked part-time as a kindergarten teacher's aide and had

also cared for children with mental and physical disabilities during her high

school years. During her initial interview, the assiRahult administrator told Bonita

she was an ideal candidate and that she probably would be hired.

She was given a pre-employment medical examination for her family physician to

complete. The Doctor confirmed that she could meet the requirement of being

able to lift patients.

At a second interview, the Supervisor reviewed the completed medical form and

noticed Bonita's hand. During the initial interview, the Supervisor had not

observed Bonita's left hand, where the index and middle fingers were

considerably shorter than those on most hands. Following this, the Supervisor

and the Nursing Director spent much time discussing Bonita's disability and the

job requirements. Even though they both wanted very much to hire Bonita, they

believed that she would not be able to cope with the gripping or clasping that is

required to lift patients.

Although Bonita said that she could perform the duties and had performed similar

tasks in her previous job with children with disabilities, she was not hired. On

what basis did the interviewers make their assessment that Bonita could not

meet a specific job requirement? Was Bonita discriminated against? Explain why

or why not?