Appeals panel hears FDNY discrimination case
An FDNY mobile command unit is seen in this file photo. Credit: Getty Images
A city lawyer has told a federal appeals panel that a judge who called New York City's Fire Department "a stubborn bastion of white male privilege" went way beyond his authority by effectively taking over the department's hiring process.
City attorney Deborah Brenner told the three-judge federal appeals panel Tuesday that the city deserves a trial so it can show how it was trying to hire more minorities.
A judge in Brooklyn had appointed an independent monitor to oversee the department to ensure it improved diversity hiring.
Brenner said the judge ignored key evidence. A lawyer representing minority applicants said the judge was well within his authority to act as he did. A federal government lawyer agreed.
A decision is unlikely for months.
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Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
