Our impact

Financial impact

$5+ Million: Direct settlements and changes we've driven

$10+ Million: Future settlements prevented through deterrence

25+ Departments: Changed policies after seeing our results

100+ People: Received support with improved outcomes

THE PREVENTION EFFECT

Each successful pressure campaign warns other departments that discrimination is expensive, creating prevention worth millions.

15+ departments implemented changes after seeing our victories

$2+ million in equipment/training funded instead of settlements

BREAK THE CYCLE

Without changes to inclusion practices, litigation costs will continue to rise. Public and political pressure on departments for more inclusive practices reduce costs.

2020-2024 Discrimination Settlements:

  • 2020: $8.2 million nationwide

  • 2024: $15.1 million nationwide

  • Trend: Costs rising 15% annually

MAJOR SUCCESS STORIES

First Female Battalion Chief Overcomes Harassment and Retaliation with Legal Victory

Jessica, the first female battalion chief in her county fire department, faced relentless harassment and discrimination from union members and fellow chiefs after her promotion. Despite having no support from agency leadership and enduring continuous retaliation, she successfully fought back through litigation with assistance from Equity on Fire, ultimately settling her case and achieving justice in what the organization calls "another win" for workplace equality in the fire service.

32-Year Veteran Wins Gender Discrimination Lawsuit After Being Repeatedly Passed Over for Promotion

Trish, a firefighter who served the San Jose Fire Department for over three decades, successfully sued for gender discrimination and retaliation after being bypassed for promotion 13 times despite ranking high on exams. When she and a female colleague were skipped over in favor of the assistant chief's godson who ranked 22nd out of 22 candidates, she fought a five-year legal battle that resulted in an 11-1 jury verdict in her favor. Now retired as a battalion chief, Trish volunteers with Equity on Fire to help other firefighters facing similar harassment and discrimination, proving that speaking up against systemic bias can lead to justice and meaningful change.