Judge: Boston cop exam discriminated

BOSTON (AP) — A judge has ruled that the Boston police department discriminated against minorities by using a promotional exam that favored white candidates.

U.S. District Judge William Young said the multiple choice test focused on a candidate’s ability to read and interpret material, but skipped critical skills and abilities, including reasoning and judgment.

Young wrote that the 2008 test “had a racially disparate impact and was not sufficiently job-related.”

A lawyer for the 10 plaintiffs, who filed the suit in 2012, says he will be seeking promotions and monetary damages for his clients.

A police spokesman says the department is reviewing the decision and has not yet decided whether to appeal, but that Commissioner William Evans is committed to “diversifying the ranks.”