Houston Black Firefighters Could Get Discrimination Settlement

A more than $300,000 settlement has been proposed for seven black firefighters in Houston who claimed racial discrimination.

The measure was scheduled to go before the Houston City Council on Mar. 23.

The Houston Chronicle reports seven firefighters passed exams for captain or senior captain in 2006, but many white firefighters scored higher. Because promotions were awarded to candidates with the highest scores, the seven did not make the cut. Three of the seven have since retired.

The settlement of the 2008 lawsuit includes cash and promotions.

City Attorney David Feldman says the settlement does not acknowledge wrongdoing by Houston. Feldman says the department this year will begin using a new exam, to make sure it does not produce results related to the race or ethnicity of firefighters.

Information from: Houston Chronicle