Melendez v. Town of North Smithfield

SEX DISCRIMINATION/RACE DISCRIMINATION. (2003-2005)

Federal lawsuit, on behalf of a female Hispanic firefighter applicant, challenging a state law giving a town a one-time exemption from the Fair Employment Practices Act in order to allow its acquisition of an all-white, all-male private fire and rescue service. After a temporary restraining order was issued in 2003, the Court permanently barred the Town from implementing the takeover in 2004. Attorneys fees were awarded in 2005. Cooperating Attorneys: Lynette Labinger, John W. Dineen

Documents

Federal lawsuit

News Releases:

August 27, 2003 -- ACLU Files Discrimination Lawsuit on Behalf of N. Smithfield Firefighter Applicant

April 29, 2004 -- Court Rules for Female Firefighter in Discrimination Case