There has been a recent development in a high-profile, West Des Moines Sex Discrimination lawsuit. One of three women who filed a sexual discrimination lawsuit against the City and Police Chief of West Des Moines in May of 2015 has settled with the city for a sum of 30K. As part of the settlement, the plaintiff has agreed to dismiss the Chief from the lawsuit.
West Des Moines Gender Bias at Work
KCCI reported last May that, in the lawsuit, the women alleged that the West Des Moines police chief instilled gender bias among officers, leading to insubordination toward the women. They also claimed that less-qualified men were promoted ahead of the plaintiffs and that one officer of equal standing to one of the plaintiffs received higher pay raises during a defined period of time.
Des Moines Iowa Workplace Retaliation
The women went on to allege that they were generally treated disrespectfully and that their repeated reports of sex discrimination and retaliatory behavior fell on deaf ears when they brought their concerns to city officials.
West Des Moines Sexual Discrimination Settlement
The plaintiff that settled had 13 years with the department before resigning. The remaining plaintiffs, one who is still an employee with the city, and the other, a former employee with 14 years of service, are scheduled for trial October 31st.
Source: The Des Moines Register, “Former Officer Settles Discrimination Suit Against West Des Moines”, Kim Norvell, October 3, 2016; KCCI, “Sexual Discrimination Lawsuit Filed Against WDM Police Chief”, by Ryan Smith, May 18, 2015.
