The U.S. Department of Justice has filed suit against Pennsylvania and the state’s police department for claims of sexual harassment. The suit alleges that the physical tests required to become a state trooper discriminate against female candidates.
As detailed in this article, since 2003 Pennsylvania state trooper candidates are required to take a physical test that includes such tasks as a 300 yard run and pushups. The complaint argues the skills tested are not necessary for the job and prevent qualified female candidates from being hired into the force.
Specifically, in contrast to the seventy percent of female applicants that have passed the physical exam since its implementation, over ninety percent of male applicants have passed the exam.
Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Jocelyn Samuels, “The Department of Justice is deeply committed to eliminating artificial barriers that keep qualified women out of public safety work.”
The Department of Justice is seeking a court order to stop the test and back pay for those discriminated against.
If you or someone you know thinks they have experienced discrimination due to sex, the team at Radford & Keebaugh can help. Contact us by phone at (678) 369-3609 or use our contact form.