The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is changing its sensitivity training after several people complained about feeling uncomfortable.
The training, a national program called Stress First Aid, was designed to be a team building exercise. During the training, people were asked to identify their differences, but leaders of the program stressed they did not have to participate. Some of the questions included if a participant identified as anything other than Caucasian or Christian. Participants were also asked about their religious beliefs and their sexuality.
Lieutenant Lanta Craig of JFRD helps lead the program. She says they ask those sort of questions because they are concerned about the members of their department, and want them to feel as safe and as comfortable as possible in JFRD. " W e ll, I'm Muslim an d I'm female and I've be e n in fire rescue since 1988. I started in another department and I'm very aware of what it's li ke to be different. Many times in my career I have been the only one in the room that looks like me or have the religious values that I have," says Lt. Lanta.
It against federal regulations to have someone identify their religion. However, sexuality is not protected by laws or regulations in 28 states, including Florida.
The idea of the Stress First Aid training is to create a safe place where people could feel comfortable talking about their differences, but some leaders within JFRD are afraid it could ultimately backfire.
JFRD Distri ct Chief Terrence Jones , who is a member of the Brotherhood of Firefighters say s , "Just mentioning the fact that you are not a Christian will make the people look at you di ffere ntly or act differently and it will co mpletely change relations hips . P eo ple are not a s diverse as we want to be a s a society some things should not be sa id or mentioned in the workplace especially it could cause some conflict."
Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department Chief Kurt Wilson decided to get rid of that part of the program. Those who lead the program say they understand the changes.