IAFC NEWS ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: IAFC Communications Department
International Association of Fire Chiefs
703/273-0911
www.iafc.org

IAFC Position Statement Issued to
Address Discriminatory Behavior

Fairfax, Va., October 4, 2006...  In September during Fire-Rescue International, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Board of Directors adopted a position statement titled “No Tolerance for Discriminatory Behavior in the Fire and Emergency Service.” The IAFC firmly believes in no tolerance for acts of inappropriate and illegal discriminatory behaviors in the fire and emergency services. The policy advocates that all fire and emergency service organizations develop written policies and have procedures in place to support and enforce this policy recommendation.

 “The IAFC has worked to take a proactive approach to issues of fair and equitable treatment for our personnel and for the citizens we serve every day. This policy statement reflects the unfortunate reality that discriminatory behavior still is present in our fire departments today. We still have a long way to go and we are providing this policy statement as clear guidance to the fire and emergency services,” said President Chief Jim Harmes.

Chief Harms continued, “Unfortunately, there have been several significant incidents that have happened recently in fire departments that prompted us to provide a very clear leadership statement. We cannot accept nor allow this type of behavior, whether it is in conversation, jokes, cartoons, actions or writing.”

“Departments need to recognize that if these non-inclusive behaviors still exist, they should take action to change the behavior. Even at informal meetings, it is inappropriate to use sexist/racist comments. Every comment and conversation is being listened to very carefully whenever these issues are discussed. We hope chiefs will use this policy to change inappropriate behaviors in their departments,” said Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, fire chief of the Little Rock Fire Department and chair of the IAFC Human Relations Committee.

“The entire fire service should be on board with this policy,” said Chief Harmes.

Please see the policy below:

No Tolerance for Discriminatory Behavior in the Fire and Emergency Service
The IAFC firmly believes in no tolerance for acts of inappropriate and illegal discriminatory behaviors in the fire and emergency service. This is applicable to all persons at all times.

Discrimination in any form that is based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, whether it is individually based or institutional, creates separation and promotes division. Such discrimination is in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Discriminatory behavior will prevent efforts to build a quality, cohesive and professional fire service. We must specifically promote diversity in all of its forms and affirm the principles of justice and nondiscrimination.

The fire and emergency service will tolerate nothing less than a diverse, accepting and inclusive workforce. No member of a fire or emergency service agency/organization shall participate in acts construed to be discriminatory at any time.

The IAFC strongly recommends that all fire and emergency service agencies/organizations develop written policies and have procedures in place to support and enforce these policy recommendations. Included in these policies should be no tolerance for acts of deliberate and/or intentional and illegal discrimination.

Adopted by: IAFC Board of Directors
Date of Adoption: September 12, 2006

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