Firefighter Ruling Leaves Guidelines as Muddy as Ever

Conn. team complained after promotion test dumped

(NEWSER) - Hoping to become lieutenants, 77 New Haven firefighters took a promotion test—but when none of the 19 black firefighters qualified, the city jettisoned the results. Their hopes dashed, 17 white firefighters sued the city for racial discrimination, and the case is now set for the Supreme Court. It marks the first time in decades the court will scrutinize race in the public job market, the New York Times reports. More»

More conservative court agrees to weigh in on racial preferences

(NEWSER) - The Supreme Court has twice backed up the idea that colleges can take race into account in college admissions, but the third time might not be the charm for supporters of affirmative action. The court today agreed to hear a major case brought by a white student against the University of Texas; she says she was denied admission because of her race. Abigail Fisher also says her grades were better than those of many of the minority students admitted. More»

It appeared after Gregory Seabrook filed complaint against FDNY

(NEWSER) - Gregory Seabrook filed a race discrimination complaint against the Fire Department of New York City in December—and on Thursday, he found a nearly three-foot-long noose in front of his work locker. "There's an ominous message behind it," says his lawyer, who adds that the "elaborately constructed" noose was tied in a "monkey knot"—which was "used as a flogging knot to beat slaves." More»

Server goes on 'weight probation,' considers suit

(NEWSER) - A Hooters server is considering a weight discrimination suit against the company after bosses told her she needed to slim down. Cassie Smith, who is 5-8 and 132 pounds, says she was told, "Your shorts and shirt size could use some improvement." The company gave her a free gym membership and a 30-day ultimatum: Get thinner or work somewhere else. More»

(NEWSER) - The London woman banished to the Abercrombie & Fitch stockroom because of her prosthetic arm has been awarded more $13,000 by an employment tribunal, the BBC reports. Riam Dean wore a cardigan to cover the joint between her prosthesis and her body, but the sweater clashed with the retailer’s “look policy.” The tribunal found that policy a violation of employment law, but did not find discrimination. More»