Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Talking Point 10

Legal case
Melendez vs Town of North Smithfield


       Women have spent centuries trying to gain equality in all aspects of their lives, especially in their professional environments. Statistically speaking, we know that men get paid more than women for the same job performed but at least females are allowed to apply for the same positions as their male counterparts. I never imagined that in the year 2003 (when this case accorded) that a female would be denied the opportunity to apply for a job just because she was a female.
       In 2003, a 26 year old hispanic female attempted to apply for a position on the newly formed North Smithfield fire and rescue department. I say "attempted" because she was told she did not qualify simply because she was a female. The new department was looking to hire 21 white males.
       That's not the end of the story, the General Assembly granted the town a one-time exemption to the anti-discrimination laws that pertain to the hiring process. I will have all the details for you in class on Thursday.

2 comments:

  1. i can not wait for the entire story today. i cant believe they said that to her.

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  2. It was bad enough that they didn't hire her because she was a female but that's awful they were only looking for young white males.!!

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