Whites Turned Away From Training Session For FDNY Entrance Exam

Controversy Over FDNY Exam Workshop

Updated: Thursday, 01 Mar 2012, 10:48 PM EST
Published : Thursday, 01 Mar 2012, 7:14 PM EST
By DICK BRENNAN
Fox 5 Chief Political Correspondent

MYFOXNY.COM - A chaotic scene unfolded outside Middle School 72 in Jamaica, Queens, on Wednesday night as several men who wanted to attend a tutorial workshop for the upcoming FDNY entrance exam were turned away.

These men said it was because they were white. The Workshop was being hosted by the Vulcan Society, a fraternal organization of black firefighters, which apparently only let in people who got a special e-mail.

Fox 5 spoke to a few people who were turned away. They didn't want to be identified, but they said it appeared that only African-American hopefuls were admitted to the event.

A federal judge has ruled the FDNY discriminated in hiring and ordered reforms. But these candidates said they are being unfairly punished.

The Vulcan Society did not respond to requests for comment.

City officials said more workshops will be held next week and everyone is invited.