The U.S. Department of Justice has officially dropped its longstanding claims against the City of New York over alleged discriminatory hiring practices within the New York Fire Department (NYFD). This decision comes just two weeks after President Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting the federal government’s use of disparate impact theory in civil rights enforcement.
Filed in the Eastern District of New York, the DOJ’s notice—signed by Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Harmeet Dhillon—formally dismisses the federal claims. The brief court filing notes that neither party will seek attorneys’ fees or costs.
The case, originally launched in 2007, alleged that FDNY’s firefighter entrance exams disproportionately excluded Black and Hispanic applicants. The Vulcan Society, representing Black firefighters, later intervened, also asserting claims of intentional discrimination. A federal judge found evidence of disparate impact and implemented a remedial order, monitored by the court, to reform the hiring process.
In 2013 and 2014, the City agreed to a settlement that included a $98 million payout and the establishment of a Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer within the FDNY. Recruitment reforms also pledged to improve outreach to minority candidates, particularly African American applicants.
Despite the DOJ’s withdrawal, remedial efforts continue. The Vulcan Society, which initially triggered the DOJ’s involvement, will maintain its role in ensuring ongoing compliance with court-ordered reforms. Attorney Dana Lossia, representing the Society and individual firefighter plaintiffs, emphasized that the DOJ’s move does not impact their continuing claims or the oversight currently in place.
“The improvements made are substantial, but this work is far from over,” said Lossia. “Our focus remains on making sure the City continues to comply with the remedial order and builds an equitable hiring process.”
City officials confirmed that all provisions under the settlement, including diversity recruitment efforts and oversight, will proceed as planned. A recent status report detailed efforts such as targeted outreach to Black and Hispanic exam-takers and increased transparency in test preparation resources.
The DOJ’s decision aligns with the administration’s April 23 executive order, “Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy,” which instructs federal agencies to deprioritize disparate impact cases and review existing investigations.
The case, U.S. v. City of New York, case number 1:07-cv-02067, remains active with ongoing monitoring, though federal involvement has officially concluded.
