Don't 'game the system' to favor one race over another.

• Position: Legal Briefs

Trying to manipulate an otherwise neutral hiring or promotion process can backfire.

Recent case: Deanna, a Native American and Philadelphia municipal employee, sought a promotion. The city's promotion rules require interviewing the two candidates who scored highest on a civil service test. Deanna and a Hispanic woman were the top scorers. Both were interviewed. Deanna didn't get the job. She sued, alleging race discrimination.

She pointed to the city's goal of having a workforce that reflects the city's population. She presented emails from high-level managers...