DNAinfo Chicago recently published a story about some Chicago firefighters who are raising concerns over a new city hiring initiative that gives preferential treatment to graduates of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system. The issue has sparked strong reactions from the firefighter union, which is now considering legal action.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration recently highlighted a new recruitment drive for the Fire Department, with an online application open until September 16. The process requires a $30 fee and includes a written exam in December for eligible candidates. According to the job posting, applicants who have completed fire or police training, or who are relatives of those who died in the line of duty—whether as police officers, firefighters, or military personnel—are given priority. Additionally, veterans and CPS graduates also receive preference.
However, the inclusion of the CPS graduate preference has become a major point of contention among some firefighters. Tom Ryan, president of the city’s firefighter union, said the union has received strong feedback from its members, who believe that all Chicago residents should be treated equally regardless of where they went to school.
“Our members feel that being a taxpayer and a citizen should be enough,†Ryan explained. “They believe every child living in Chicago should have equal opportunities.â€
The city’s hiring notice clearly states that CPS graduates are given a preference, a policy that Mayor Emanuel has promoted as a way to encourage students to stay in school and earn their diplomas. A spokesperson for the mayor, Kelley Quinn, emphasized that the policy aims to help students prepare for college and careers by offering them a leg up in the hiring process.
Quinn also mentioned that the city ensures at least 20% of candidates referred for positions with the CPS preference are actually CPS graduates. However, not everyone is convinced this is fair.
David Quintavalle, a member of the firefighter union board, expressed frustration on Facebook, stating that many union members are upset that the policy disadvantages students from private schools. He noted that some members send their children to private schools for personal or religious reasons, yet they are now at a disadvantage when applying for firefighter positions.
Quintavalle warned that if the union doesn’t take legal action, members may have to act on their own. “It’s not enough that our members live in the city and pay taxes that support the CPS system,†he said. “Now you have to send your child to a CPS school just to get a preference in the firefighter exam. That’s discrimination, and it shouldn’t be tolerated.â€
While Ryan did not explicitly mention litigation, he said the union is still open to negotiations and pointed out that there’s plenty of time before the December exam. He added that things could change depending on how the situation develops.
This debate highlights the growing tension between city policies aimed at supporting local education systems and the concerns of public sector workers who feel these policies may unfairly favor certain groups over others.
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