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The state of New York had some serious repercussions to pay for discriminating against a group of Black NYC firefighters, and pay they did.

The Vulcan Society proudly announced today, March 18 that their lawyers from the Center for Constitutional Rights have reached a settlement with the city for $98M including $6M for backpay with their medical expenses.

Reports the AP:

The city says the figure includes back pay, fringe benefits and interest to the test takers. It wasn’t immediately clear how many people would be affected by the settlement.

Among other things, the Vulcan Society’s lawyers said, the FDNY will create an executive position for diversity.

The settlement pre-empts a trial that had been scheduled to start this month.

The FDNY, mayor’s office and city Law Department didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

In May 2013, an appeals court ruled that the FDNY must undergo court supervision for five years to ensure it doesn’t discriminate against blacks and Hispanics in its hiring practices.

In the fall of 2011, federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis appointed an independent monitor to oversee the recruitment, testing and hiring of new firefighters for at least 10 years.

The seven-year-old lawsuit was brought about because applicants and current FDNY incumbents were found to have had their civil rights violated at the hands of the city’s hiring practices.

Sounds like the payment was a long time coming.

Photo: YouTube