STATEMENT OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINT BY FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BRISCOE

(10/15/2009) NEW HAVEN- Today, New Haven firefighter Michael Briscoe filed a lawsuit in Federal Court against the City of New Haven concerning the 2003 New Haven Fire lieutenant examination. Briscoe claims that the test had a disparate impact on African American candidates and reliance on its results will prevent him from being promoted.

In response, on behalf of the City of New Haven, Corporation Counsel Victor A. Bolden issues the following statement:

“Since the day of the Supreme Court decision, the City of New Haven has been focused on moving forward not backwards. As soon as the matter returns to the United States District Court, the City will be seeking to certify the results of the New Haven Fire Department promotional examinations administered in 2003 and make promotions consistent with that list. Further, the City will continue to pursue better means for making future promotions in the Department.”

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