FireLink

Although I am short on time and did not read all of the article, I would have to agree. The same type of situation occurs here locally. It has become a common knowledge saying that it is apparently easier for "minorities" to get hired on, allegedly due to equal opportunity rights (EOE).  I, as do many others, think this is rediculous. It should not matter what color you are. What matters is that you can perform the job, have the knowledge, and pass the mental portion to show the fortitude needed to save anyone. Altering a requirement level, or even trying to level the playing field, or grading curve to make it possible for others to make the team is just unacceptable and rediculous. I would not want a partner on an interior attack that was able to get in under those circumstances, and have to wonder if they can handle the situations that may arise. Color, race, or sex should not enter into the equation. You should be able to perform the requirements, across the board. Period.

About time that a promotional exam is based on ability and performance and not skin color.  I have always maintained that departments shouod develop a testing process that is fair and unbiased and administered by a third party to remove any favoritism.

Couldn't have said it any better Cherry.

Jack4852 I completely agree with you. The only group that sided with the City is higher government. some of the other firefighters that did not pass even sided with the 19 who passed and brought forth the suit. I have found that most often when the city's officials become involved with the FD the dept will have trouble it is a brotherhood and it stands strong but as far as the governing side there are major issues. New Haven is just one large example.

Regarding what Jeff said, it should be that way accross the board in any profession.  If you can do the job, great then DO IT. If you can't, then find a different one or learn how.  I whole heartedly agree that hiring, promotions, and almost everything else should be based on merit and should be given to the most qualified person. 

That all said, personality should play a small role as well. There some that might be the most qualified, but can't "play well with others." But that all comes down to those doing the hiring.

Well im not racist or prejudice. But i bellive taht just because the african americans that took the test didnt pass and only 1 hispanic person passed the test that it was prejudice. I belive that they just were not able to pass the test. its not a racial thing.

I've been debating on posting about this because it is a very sore subject with me and I don't want to come off sounding biased. But in the end I could'nt keep my big mouth shut. I dont know about promotional exams, having never taken one, but I do know my state gives different tests. When I bridged from EMT-B to Paramedic I did so with 2 fellow co-workers, both black females. They acctually showed me the copy of the final exam that they had recieved 2 weeks before the test was given! While my test was based on pediatric drug dosages, arrythmias, dopamine calculations theirs was more on a first responder level. My city has also been in the news alot because of it's hiring practices. 2 years ago , during a firefighter recruit class, one of the recruits was killed during a training exercise. After investigating they found that the recruit not only been "pushed" through because she was a minority, she had failed both the written and physical exams. Half the city brass lost their jobs over that one. I have been trying endlessly to get in, the last test I scored a 98% on the written and passed the physical. I received I letter stating I was not " qualified" enough even though I've been a firefighter since 1995 and a paramedic since 1999. I was later told by inside friends that the class was scrapped because not enough minorities passed the test. I'm a female. I have busted my butt making sure I've been in top physical and mental condition for the job. To the point I wont even apply for fireside anymore because I'm getting older and wouldnt want to endanger someones life.  I wish the local government would make the same consideration.