Tentative Settlement Struck in Race Bias Suit
Alhambra officials have reached a tentative settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which last year filed suit accusing the city of racial discrimination in its hiring and promotion practices.
Federal officials said Friday that the settlement still requires approval of a federal judge next week. City Manager Kevin Murphy said the city continues to deny that its Fire and Police departments discriminate against Asians, blacks and Latinos.
Nevertheless, if the settlement is approved, the city will spend up to $180,000 to settle claims by blacks and Asians who contend they were turned down for jobs as firefighters or police officers because of racial bias. Also, the city would retest black and Asian applicants who were not hired as police officers or firefighters. In addition, Murphy said, it would revise its firefighters’ test, which the Justice Department said was biased. Minorities make up about 30% of the Police Department and 15% of the Fire Department.
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