By: Diane Benjamin
A Bloomington Board we know little about: BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS
I believe this is the same Board that recently ruled against Ty Carlton: https://blnnews.com/2025/09/01/two-things-you-need-to-know-7/
This link has the rules and regulations governing this Board: https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/29826/638355568072014235
Two excerpts from that link:
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Why does the underlined matter?
Because changes were made at the June 29, 2021 meeting. Previously this Board had those responsibilities. Former City Manager Tim Gleason wanted DEI policies controlling the hiring, so he removed this Board from the process.
October 27, 2020 Bloomington announced its first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer – Michael Hurt. https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/bloomington-names-first-chief-diversity-and-inclusion-officer/
In 2021 it was fashionable to discriminate in hiring to “diversify” the workforce. Hiring based on qualifications and merit took a back seat to “inclusion and diversity”.
Even though the below claims the involved unions agreed to this change, my sources claim they weren’t consulted. https://bloomingtonil.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2520/files/agenda/3684
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I bet most people didn’t know Tim Gleason used the DEI wave to seize power for himself.
According to this link, 2 of the 3 Board members terms expired in 2023. They don’t regularly hold meetings. https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/government/boards-commissions/fire-and-police-commissioners
Recruiting minorities/women isn’t a problem if they qualify. The problem occurs when characteristics other than merit and character are used to bypass those who are qualified.
HireScore, many hiring/recruit App Tracking Systems and Apps, HR Platforms, ADP implementations and WorkDay at every org or dept is and has been a mess for many employed and unemployed. Public Private projects I assume. Hurts a very vulnerable tax and work base but great for leader bonus and comp incentives I guess.
Interesting read! Thanks for keeping up with this.
“Affirmative action in hiring in the United States began in the 1960s, rooted in efforts to address systemic discrimination. The term first appeared in Executive Order 10925, signed by President John F. Kennedy on March 6, 1961, which required government contractors to “take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin.” This laid the groundwork for policies aimed at correcting historical inequities in employment.”
What happened?