If an applicant claims alcoholism as a disability and further claims that his criminal conviction was due to his alcoholism, can we reject his application due to his criminal conviction?

Rita Risser Replies:

If you have a policy of rejecting applicants who have felony convictions, then you can and should apply that policy against this applicant. Having a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act does not excuse violating criminal laws, or employer policies. All employees are held to the same standards, regardless of their disabilities.