The National Council of Jewish Women is expressing "deep disappointment" with Monday’s Supreme Court decision saying the rights of white firefighters in New Haven, Conn. had been violated when the city threw out the results of a promotions on which most minorities did not do well.
“Today in Ricci v. deStefano, in yet another 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court crafted a new and more burdensome test for employers to use when they seek to evaluate whether their own policies and practices cause discrimination in the workplace," said NCJW president Nancy Ratzan. "While eight of the justices appear to recognize that workplace discrimination continues to be a problem for the nation, a 5-4 majority has taken us down a new path that makes it harder to correct discriminatory practices."
NCJW noted that it had signed a brief in the case that argued for the "importance of retaining the historic interpretation of employment law upheld in 1971."
The full NCJW release is after the jump:[[READMORE]]
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today expressed its deep disappointment that the Supreme Court decision in Ricci v. deStefano has made it more difficult for women, minorities, and other groups long denied equal opportunity to compete in the workplace. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:
“Today in Ricci v. deStefano, in yet another 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court crafted a new and more burdensome test for employers to use when they seek to evaluate whether their own policies and practices cause discrimination in the workplace. While eight of the justices appear to recognize that workplace discrimination continues to be a problem for the nation, a 5-4 majority has taken us down a new path that makes it harder to correct discriminatory practices.
“NCJW signed a brief in this case that argued the importance of retaining the historic interpretation of employment law upheld in 1971. The principle established then requires that employment practices and polices be nondiscriminatory in their impact as well as their intent. We believe with Justice Ginsburg that no one is entitled to a promotion based on a discriminatory process.
“It is critical that the federal agencies involved in enforcing antidiscrimination laws spell out what employers can and must do going forward to prevent discrimination.”
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
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