EEOC accuses Austin Fire Department of racial discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that the Austin Fire Department has discriminated against Latinos and African-Americans in their hiring process. Fire-fighter exams, which must be submitted with an application to the fire department, were allegedly biased against minorities.

The Department of Justice informed Austin through a letter that the fire department’s employment application practices were biased.

AFD Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr maintains that the perceived discrimination was “unintentional”, and that applicants with the highest scores were hired.

Kerr also noted in the 2012 fire department review that they encouraged female candidates, as well as candidates of other races, to apply for the positions.

No one be forced to endure workplace discrimination. If you or a loved one is being treated unfairly by an employer, please contact our experienced attorneys at The Melton Law Firm, by calling (512) 330-0017 to discuss your situation.