All first responders, like all Americans, are entitled to be judged based on job performance rather than irrelevant factors such as race or gender in employment decisions ranging from discipline to promotions. When employers fail to defend adverse employment decisions on the basis of job performance and professional competence, discrimination claims brought by those who were passed over for a promotion or disproportionately disciplined for instances of misconduct can result in substantial legal liability.
As public safety leaders and elected officials look for ways to increase the diversity of their agencies—from the composition of the rank-and-file to the make-up of the command staff—it is vital to recognize that every individual is entitled to an equal opportunity in considering personnel decisions that impact their careers. A failure to recognize those individual rights in name of diversity can lead to what is often described as “reverse discrimination,” meaning the unlawful discrimination against White and/or male employees in an effort to address historical inequalities in public safety employment.
In this webinar, Attorney Matt Dolan will discuss the challenges associated with balancing legitimate efforts to increase diversity in public safety agencies along with the protection of every individual’s rights to equal treatment, regardless of their demographic traits.
Director, Dolan Consulting Group
| Attorney Matt Dolan
Matt Dolan is a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois, who specializes in training and advising public safety agencies in matters of labor and employment law. His practice experience focuses on employment discrimination claims brought under federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VII"), the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA"). He received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from DePaul University and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Matt serves as a public safety instructor with Dolan Consulting Group. He has trained and advised thousands of public safety professionals throughout the United States in matters of legal liability related to personnel management.
Consent Questions
“Reverse Discrimination” Liability in Public Safety | Hour 1
“Reverse Discrimination” Liability in Public Safety | Hour 2
