Atlanta Cheating Scandal Ruling Rescinds Promotions

A judge has ordered 5 promotions rescinded and awarded $320,000 in damages to three Atlanta firefighters in an ongoing lawsuit that alleged race-related cheating.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kelly A. Lee issued the ruling yesterday. The decision comes less than a month after a jury found that the city failed to fully investigate allegation that five black candidates were given unfair advantage in the promotional process.

In rescinding the promotions, the judge ordered that a retest be given by an independent testing company. The hearing will continue on Friday when the judge is expected to provide additional details on the retest.

Outside the courtroom, the rhetoric continued with city officials claiming that there had been no proof of cheating, and IAFF officials asking that a criminal investigation be conducted.

The $320,000 was earmarked to cover the legal expenses of the three firefighters who filed the suit.

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