4249
(1 vote, average 5.00 out of 5)
Written by WiG
Jan 19, 2012
A nurse practitioner accused of harassing a lesbian Marine veteran will no longer be working at the Dallas VA Medical Center.
The action follows a Change.org petition drive in which 20,000 people called for the nurse’s dismissal.
According to Change.org, Marine Esther Garatie, who was wounded and honorably discharged from the Marines, was seeking VA treatment for depression and possible post-traumatic stress disorder when nurse practitioner Lincy Pandithurai allegedly told her that the root of her problems was her sexual orientation.
“She sat down and looked at me, and her first question was, ‘Are you a lesbian?’” Garatie told the Dallas Voice. “Her second question to me was, ‘Have you asked God into your heart? Have you been saved by Jesus Christ?’”
Garatie sought the advice of friend Jessica Gerson, who launched a Change.org campaign.
A spokesman for the VA center recently e-mailed Change.org to state that Pandithurai was no longer employed at the center effective Jan. 21.
“The board was able to substantiate material portions of the veteran’s claims,” the e-mail stated. “VA North Texas Health Care System will continue to provide an environment where veterans can receive the physical and emotional healing that they desire and deserve. As such, we remain committed to respecting diversity and providing the best possible care to all veterans. Our commitment to equal rights remains strong as we practice our core values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and excellence. Ms. Pandithurai will retire from federal service effective January 21, 2012.”
