Atlanta Cheating Scandal Ruling Rescinds Promotions

Posted by: Curt Varone March 8, 2012 0

A judge has ordered 5 promotions rescinded and awarded $320,000 in damages to three Atlanta firefighters in an ongoing lawsuit that alleged race-related cheating.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kelly A. Lee issued the ruling yesterday. The decision comes less than a month after a jury found that the city failed to fully investigate allegation that five black candidates were given unfair advantage in the promotional process.

In rescinding the promotions, the judge ordered that a retest be given by an independent testing company. The hearing will continue on Friday when the judge is expected to provide additional details on the retest.

Outside the courtroom, the rhetoric continued with city officials claiming that there had been no proof of cheating, and IAFF officials asking that a criminal investigation be conducted.

The $320,000 was earmarked to cover the legal expenses of the three firefighters who filed the suit.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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