Black firefighters file discrimination complaints against City of Memphis
Five lieutenants in the Memphis Fire Department have filed a complaint that alleges the battalion chief’s test has favored white candidates. (The Daily Memphian files)
Several veteran Memphis firefighters are alleging the Memphis Fire Department’s promotional testing process is discriminatory toward Black employees.
At least five MFD firefighters, all of whom are currently lieutenants, have filed complaints against the department with the City of Memphis’ Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, according to sources within the fire department. The firefighters say the test for the rank of battalion chief favors certain candidates — particularly younger, white employees with less experience — over others, such as tenured Black employees.
The Daily Memphian obtained one of the complaints through a public records request.
Topics
Memphis Fire Department Memphis Fire Department Chief Gina Sweat Subscriber OnlyAre you enjoying your subscription?
Your subscription gives you unlimited access to all of The Daily Memphian’s news, written by nearly 40 local journalists and more than 20 regular freelancers. We work around the clock to cover the issues that impact your life and our community.
You can help us reach more Memphians.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we provide free news access at K-12 schools, public libraries and many community organizations. We also reach tens of thousands of people through our podcasts, and through our radio and television partnerships – all completely free to everyone who cares about Memphis.
When you subscribe, you get full access to our news. But when you donate, you help us reach all Memphians.
Pay it forward. Make a fully tax-deductible donation to The Daily Memphian today.
Thank you for reading the local news. Thank you for investing in our community.
Aarron Fleming
Aarron Fleming covers public safety for The Daily Memphian, focusing on crime and the local court system. He earned his bachelor’s in journalism and strategic media from the University of Memphis.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.