DNAinfo Chicago recently published an article discussing a growing controversy among some Chicago firefighters over a new city hiring initiative that offers preferential treatment to graduates of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system. The firefighter union is reportedly considering legal action against the city’s policy, which gives CPS graduates an advantage in city job applications. This comes as Mayor Rahm Emanuel continues to promote a new recruitment drive for the Fire Department, encouraging more people to apply. As part of the recruitment process, the city has opened an online application portal for fire department positions, which will remain open until September 16. The application fee is $30, and those who qualify will take a written exam in December. The job posting clearly states that individuals with prior fire or police training, relatives of those who died while serving, veterans, and CPS graduates are given preference. While most of these preferences have been widely accepted, the CPS graduate preference has sparked significant backlash from some members of the firefighter union. Tom Ryan, president of the city’s firefighter union, mentioned that there has been strong opposition from union members, who feel that all residents—regardless of where they went to school—should be treated equally. “Our members believe that being a taxpayer and a citizen should be enough,†Ryan said. “All children living in Chicago should be given the same opportunity.†The city has emphasized that the CPS hiring preference is intended to encourage students to stay in school and earn their diplomas, preparing them for college and future careers. A spokesperson for the mayor, Kelley Quinn, stated that the policy aims to support CPS students and ensure that at least 20% of candidates referred for certain positions are CPS graduates. However, not everyone is on board. David Quintavalle, a member of the firefighter union board, expressed frustration on Facebook, saying that many union members are upset about the policy favoring CPS graduates over those who attended private schools. He argued that it's unfair to require applicants to attend CPS schools to gain an advantage, especially when union members already pay taxes that fund the public school system. Quintavalle warned that if the union doesn’t take legal action, members may have to act on their own to challenge the policy. “This is pure discrimination,†he said. “The city shouldn’t promote this kind of bias, and we shouldn’t tolerate it.†Despite the tension, Ryan said the union is still open to negotiation and hasn’t ruled out legal action yet. He noted that the hiring process is still months away, and things could change before the exam takes place in December. For now, the debate over fairness, opportunity, and access to public jobs continues to divide the community—and the firefighters who serve it. Thanks, Dan Automatic Cloth Sewing Machine In-line Sewing Machines,Equipment for Sewing Clothes,Garment Sewing Machines Sichuan Kisae sewing machine Co.,Ltd. , https://www.kisaesew.com