Akron Firefighters Win $2 Million in Lawsuit

December 30, 2008

A federal jury has awarded 23 Akron firefighters close to $2 million in a discrimination lawsuit.

Jurors on Dec.22 found that a city exam used for captain positions skewed against white applicants, while another exam used for lieutenant applicants discriminated against black candidates.

The jury of five white women, one black woman and one white man also found that the results of the lieutenants’ test also discriminated against candidates older than 40.

The firefighters didn’t have to prove that the city intended to discriminate, just that the effect of the exams was discriminatory.

Assistant Law Director Patricia Ambrose Rubright says Akron officials haven’t decided on whether to file an appeal. But she says there will likely be several post-trial motions that could affect the amount of the jury’s award.

Topics Lawsuits

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Latest Comments

  • January 2, 2009 at 10:59 am
    Jake says:
    YoYoYo, you be chillen at the fire pad, and dudes from yo hood call in a false alarm at a crackhouse to mess with a rival crew. Do you A: Put down the fried chicken and go put... read more
  • December 30, 2008 at 2:58 am
    akronite says:
    Wudchchuck - shall we have these exams written in several languages to accomodate everyone as well? I am still waiting on an answer as to HOW a WRITTEN EXAM can be discriminat... read more
  • December 30, 2008 at 2:28 am
    wudchuck says:
    well, it should be equality for all. it should equal for all, there should not be a biased based on anything. our times should have changed. it should not matter any more i... read more

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