DNAinfo Chicago recently published an article discussing a growing controversy among some Chicago firefighters regarding a new city hiring initiative that offers preferential treatment to graduates of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system.
Union firefighters are reportedly considering legal action over the policy, which gives CPS graduates an advantage in city job applications—especially as Mayor Rahm Emanuel is currently promoting a new recruitment drive for the Fire Department. The mayor’s office highlighted an online application portal open until September 16, with a $30 fee and a written exam scheduled for December. The job posting clearly outlines that candidates who have completed fire or police training, or are relatives of those who died while serving as police officers, firefighters, or military personnel, will receive preference. It also mentions that veterans and CPS graduates are given priority in hiring decisions.
However, this specific clause favoring CPS graduates has sparked strong reactions from some firefighters. Tom Ryan, president of the city’s firefighter union, stated that there has been significant backlash from union members. “They feel that being a taxpayer and a citizen should be enough,†he said. “All children living in Chicago should be treated equally.â€
The hiring notice, posted online last week, explicitly states: “The City of Chicago offers a CPS Graduate Preference to high school graduates from the Chicago Public School system.†Mayor Emanuel has frequently promoted this policy as a way to encourage students to stay in school and earn their diplomas, preparing them for college and careers.
Mayoral spokeswoman Kelley Quinn emphasized that the city’s policy ensures at least 20% of candidates referred for positions with CPS consideration are CPS graduates. However, not everyone agrees with the approach.
David Quintavalle, a member of the firefighter union board, expressed frustration on Facebook, stating that many union members are upset about the impact on applicants from private schools. “I and numerous members are outraged that the city would disadvantage other qualified applicants who attended private schools,†he wrote.
The union is exploring legal options to challenge the policy, arguing that it unfairly favors CPS graduates. “Many of our members send their kids to private schools for personal or religious reasons,†Quintavalle said. “We’ve been contacted to consider litigation before anyone is harmed.â€
Ryan clarified that the union isn’t necessarily opposed to the tradition of passing the profession down through families, but he hasn’t ruled out legal action. He noted that the exam is still months away, leaving room for negotiation and potential changes. “Things could certainly change,†he said, adding that the city just announced the new round of firefighter exams last week.
Quintavalle, however, warned that if the union doesn’t take action, members may do so themselves. “If we don’t stop this injustice, we’ll have to,†he said. “It’s not enough that our members live here and pay taxes that fund CPS. Now you have to send your child to a CPS school to get a preference in the firefighter exam. That’s pure discrimination, and the city shouldn’t promote it.â€
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