In 2009, former Air Force Reserve major John J. Murphy applied to be the manager of Radnor Township, Penn., a suburb of Philadelphia. Although Murphy believed his military experience would give him a better chance at clinching the position, he was denied the job, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Now, Murphy is suing the township's Board of Commissioners, alleging that the board used his military service against him in the hiring process.
The news source reported that Murphy and his lawyers are meeting with city officials this week to set up a trial date regarding the claims that the board was worried about Murphy's military commitment. The board, according to Murphy, thought that his service would force him to frequently leave the township.
"Someone who decides to put their life on the line for their country should not be denied the right to fair treatment," Murphy's attorney, David Tomaszewski, told the news outlet.
Military service is protected under the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, which bars employees from discriminating against servicemembers during the hiring process. Active-duty and former servicemembers are equally protected under the USERRA, according to the Department of Labor. The law also protects disabled veterans looking for employment, and also ensures that returning servicemembers can be re-employed at their former jobs at the same pay and seniority status, regardless of their military absence.