Reverse discrimination claims in NHFD

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Updated: Wednesday, 25 Mar 2009, 6:35 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 25 Mar 2009, 5:59 PM EDT

New Haven (WTNH) - The NAACP is joining the fray surrounding reverse discrimination claims inside the New Haven Fire Department.

Dozens of black firefighters gathered in New Haven today to support the city in a lawsuit now before the United State's Supreme Court.

"Because diversity in firefighting is a matter of national security," said Gary Tinney, of the New Haven Firebird Society.

The case before the highest court involves the so-called New Haven 20-19 white and one Hispanic.

The firefighters are claiming reverse discrimination saying they were denied promotions because of the color of their skin.

In 2003, the city gave tests to determine promotions with many white firefighters getting the highest scores.

The city threw out the scores in favor of promoting a more diverse group of firefighters. The civil lawsuit claims the results should stand and their lawyer said this in January.

Today the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters says how the high court rules could have a ripple effect on fire service across the nation.

"This case stands for equal opportunity at the work place and for freedom against discrimination in testing and promotional examination," said Attorney John Briton.

[We] "are urging the supreme court to do the right thing for the people of this community, this country," Tinney said.