Hispanic firefighter from New Haven stands up for equality

July 03, 2009 | By PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION

Author: Joshua Thompson

The New York Times ran an interesting story this morning on Lieutenant Ben Vargas.  Lt. Vargas was the lone Hispanic firefighter that joined the plaintiffs' discrimination lawsuit against the New Haven Connecticut Fire Department.  Despite facing ridicule from his peers, Lt. Vargas believed that individuals should be judged on their merit and ability, not the color of their skin.  On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Lt. Vargas and the other firefighters that filed the lawsuit.  You can read PLF's work on the case here

The Times piece ends with this powerful statement: "Gesturing toward his three young sons, Lieutenant Vargas explained why he had no regrets. “I want them to have a fair shake, to get a job on their merits and not because they’re Hispanic or they fill a quota,” he said. “What a lousy way to live.”