Opinion ID: 2994089
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Validity of the Scoring System

Text: Plaintiffs also raise an issue about the City’s use of the examination scores to make promotions in rank order, citing Gillespie, 771 F.2d 1035, for the proposition that the use of rank-ordering must be independently justified when the scoring system results in a disparate impact. In Gillespie, this court relied on the Second Circuit’s decision in Guardians Ass’n of New York City v. Civil Service Commission, 630 F.2d 79 (2d Cir. 1980). The Guardians court recognized that an employer who wants to use rank-order scores for hiring decisions must demonstrate that rank- ordering is sufficiently justified. Id. at 103. That task is by no means impossible, even without resort to a criterion related study of the issue. Id. Under Guardians, rank-order promotions can be validated by a substantial showing that (1) the test is job related and representative and (2) the test maker achieved an adequate degree of reliability. Id. at 104. As previously discussed, the 1994 lieutenant examination was based on a detailed job analysis and was constructed in adherence to the Uniform Guidelines. See Guardians Ass’n of New York City, 630 F.2d at 104. The City has made a substantial showing of job relatedness sufficient to satisfy the first prong of the Guardians test. The reliability prong is also met. Barrett & Associates used a number of methods, including pre-testing, to ensure the reliability of the 1994 examination. See id. Furthermore, we agree with the Second Circuit’s holding that when an examination measures ability with sufficient differentiating power to justify rank-ordering, it is permissible for the City to set a cut-off score at the point where the rank-ordering provides the number of promotions necessary to fill the City’s available openings. See id. at 105. In the present case, the City’s use of rank- ordering is valid, and the City was justified in setting a cut-off score which resulted in the necessary number of promotions. The majority of plaintiff’s remaining objections are de minimus and require no analysis. We affirm the trial judge’s admission of Dr. Barrett’s testimony and the court’s conclusion about the validity of the tests, as well as the court’s exercise of its discretion in appointing some additional sergeants to lieutenants and no more. See EEOC v. Laborers’ Int’l Union, 49 F.3d 304, 307 (7th Cir. 1995) (We review the decision to grant an equitable remedy under an abuse of discretion standard.). There is one remaining issue.