First, I'd like to once
again thank you for stepping up and helping us in our efforts.
I've joked that you now
have a target on your backs, but I'm only half-joking when I say that. Happily,
there are protections available to you (and us) and we will not be shy about
demanding they be enforced.
One of these is
Department Order 72/2011, SDO 57 "Fire Department's EEO Anti- Retaliation
Policy". This Order reminds all that, among other things, this Policy "extends
to all persons who are involved with...litigation filed by the Department of
Justice and the Vulcan Society against the City of New York and the FDNY".
Merit Matters has Amicus status in that litigation and submitted an Amicus
brief in support of the City's appeal. It may not have been written with us in
mind but that is irrelevant and, again, we will not be shy about demanding (as
we have done since we were first created) equal treatment for all.
We do not recommend and
will not support any abuse of these protections, but if you believe you are
being targeted, threatened, intimidated or treated differently because of your
position with Merit Matters let us know. There are many options available to
address this separate and distinct from the FDNY EEO Unit and we can guide you
in accessing them.
Stay safe.
Paul Mannix
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