Levittown FD Faces Fines, Training For Confederate Flag: NY State

LEVITTOWN, NY — The Levittown Fire Department and Fire District will pay fines and change policy as part of a settlement with the state's Division of Human Rights for displaying a Confederate flag, the New York State Division of Human Rights announced.

“People rely on emergency services like those provided by fire departments for help in moments of tremendous stress and danger,” Division of Human Rights Acting Commissioner Denise M. Miranda said in an email to Patch. “When services like these display symbols of racism or maintain policies that unlawfully discriminate against people who may want to join the department, it damages public trust and harms communities. Hate and discrimination have no place in New York State, and the Division of Human Rights will continue using every available tool to hold violators of the Human Rights Law accountable.”

The Levittown Fire Department agreed to remove any Confederate flag imagery from anything associated with the department, including their equipment, property, apparel, along with websites and social media. Additionally, they are required to make policy changes that would prohibit the display of the Confederate flag or other symbols of hate, the Division of Human Rights confirmed.

The department agreed to pay thousands of dollars in civil fines. District commissioners and members of the department will also take part in mandatory training on Human Rights Law.