Boston State College Graduate and Prospective Criminology Student Challenges 5-Foot-9 and 150-Pound Minimums After Application Rejection
A Norwood woman who was barred from taking the state police examination and subsequently charged the state police with sex discrimination explained her position and the events that led to her filing. Joann Alighieri of 15 Albemarle Road filed a formal complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) last Thursday, charging the state police with sex discrimination. The 27-year-old Alighieri explained that her application to take the test for a position as a state policeman was rejected because she failed to meet the strict physical requirements of 5 feet, 9 inches in height and 150 pounds in weight. Alighieri stands 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 105 pounds, and she had sought a role working with juveniles and conducting investigative work. “That doesn’t require someone 5 feet 9, or shouldn’t,” remarked Alighieri, who plans to begin working toward a master’s degree in criminology at Northeastern University in September.
The journey began in April when Alighieri first explored law enforcement careers. After discovering that Boston civil service exams had already concluded, she contacted the highway safety department of the state police requesting an application and was informed they were considering hiring eight women. Upon receiving the application and noticing the height and weight restrictions, she consulted State Representative Alan P. Danovitch (R-Norwood), who instructed her to fill out the paperwork anyway on the assumption the rules might only apply to male applicants. When she received a formal rejection letter, Danovitch advised her to file with the MCAD. Alighieri noted she was also informed she might be able to bring a lawsuit under the Civil Rights Act, though she filed the initial complaint on her own. “Everyone has the old cliché idea of policemen and policewomen that they have to be in uniform,” Alighieri stated. “I do not want to go into it for glory.” A graduate of Boston State College who worked as an unpaid deputy probation officer for Norfolk County and served as a substitute teacher in Norwood schools from January to June, Alighieri turned to the state police after facing a scarcity of teaching positions.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
-
Supreme Court Nixes Norwood Power Suit Appeal-October 10, 2007
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal regarding a $78 million ruling against the town in its dispute with former electricity provider New England Power Co. With the exception of the interest amount owed, this decision effectively concludes the nine-year legal battle between the town and New England Power. In February, the U.S.…
-
War Crimes Trial of Former Norwood Resident Suspended-July 4, 2000
The war crimes trial of former Norwood resident Aleksandras Lileikis reached an indefinite suspension in July 2000, marking a controversial end to the proceedings.
-
Two Norwood Restaurants Lock Legal Horns Over Town’s Final Available Liquor License-August 8, 1990
With competing applications from O’Toole’s on Carnegie Row and The Great American Pub off Route 1, Norwood selectmen voted 3-1 to proceed with hearings despite legal threats from rival attorneys over zoning technicalities.
-
Norwood to Sue Blue Hills School to Block Budget-July 19, 1990
The town of Norwood was on a collision course with the Blue Hills Regional Technical School in July 1990, as officials prepared to file a lawsuit to block the school’s revised budget for the upcoming academic year. The dispute had been brewing for several weeks, ever since the four district towns – Norwood, Holbrook, Dedham,…
-
Norwood Joins Lawsuit Against Governor Dukakis Over Withheld State Aid-August 29, 1989
Norwood joins Brookline and other suburbs suing Governor Michael S. Dukakis over withheld state aid, even as unexpected local revenues nearly cover the town’s $1.1 million shortfall.
-
Fortuneteller Miller Plans Lawsuit Against Norwood Following License Denial-July 13, 1989
Selectman Gary Lee led the opposition, citing concerns about the occult, while Miller argued the denial violated her civil rights.
-
Selectmen Seek Injunction to Block 32 Percent Cable TV Rate Hike-August 21, 1985
Norwood selectmen vote unanimously to take Adams-Russell Cablevision to court over a planned 32 percent rate hike affecting 5,800 residents.
-
Dog Officer and Resident Trade Accusations Following Stun Gun Incident-August 29, 1981
Selectmen reveal that dog officer Frank Rodak claims he was struck in the face before using a stun gun on a resident during a loose dog call on Hampden Drive.
-
Paul J. Donovan Cleared of Wrongful Arrest-July 9, 1981
Discover the story of Paul J. Donovan, a Norwood businessman wrongfully arrested after locating a stolen bicycle for a customer, and his subsequent exoneration in Dedham District Court.
-
Norwood Teachers Association & Taxpayers File Lawsuit Over School Budget Cuts-July 22, 1978
Back in July 1978, community tensions over municipal spending reached a boiling point when the Norwood Teachers Association and 36 local taxpayers filed a lawsuit in Norfolk Superior Court to overturn a $618,795 cut to the school budget.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.