According to CNN, a Florida city has fired its police chief over alleged minority-first practices related to hiring and promoting employees. Last week, Fort Lauderdale fired its police chief Larry Scirotto, who has been the chief for less than a year, following complaints of discriminatory practices. 

In the report obtained by CNN, it was determined that during his tenure as police chief, Scirotto practiced an approach that was “unfairly focused on minority candidates” during the promotion and hiring process.

In one conversation, it was said that Scirotto referred to a wall displaying former command photos as being “too white,” and also saying, “I’m gonna change that.” 

When asked about the comments, the report said,”He said the context of the comment is built around ‘how do I convince the community that we are an inclusive and diverse organization if this wall is so white?’” 

In another example, it’s stated that he overlooked a white man with 20 years of experience and choice between two men of color, asking, ”which one is blacker?” 

Scirotto denied the “blacker” comment but admitted to saying the wall was “too white” because he felt that it didn’t reflect the community.

The police chief told CNN that he promoted 15 people between August and November, and six of those 15 individuals were of gender or ethnic minorities who were promoted based on merit.

“None of them were promoted because they were in a protected class,” he said. “They were promoted because they were the best candidates.”

When asked about his approach, the former police chief stated he would “consider diversity at every opportunity,” and he had to be “intentional.”

Scirotto has hired legal counsel and plans to sue for wrongful termination. “If promoting diversity is the hill I’m going to die on, I will sleep well tonight,” he said. “I won’t allow them to tarnish my reputation. I won’t allow them to tarnish the work that I’ve done in the 24 years I’ve been in this profession.”

Roomies, what y’all think about this situation?