Nebraska Firefighter Files Sexual Discrimination Suit

Posted by: Curt Varone July 11, 2018 1 Comment

A Nebraska firefighter has filed suit alleging she has been discriminated against and harassed on account of her gender, and then retaliated against after she reported the discrimination.

Amanda Benson, a firefighter with Lincoln Fire and Rescue, filed suit in state court against the City of Lincoln, Mayor Chris Beutler, Public Safety Director Tom Casady, Human Resources Director Doug McDaniel, Fire Chief Tim Linke, Battalion Chief Eric Jones, retired Battalion Chief Leo Benes, Captain Darren Merryman and Captain Shawn Mahler.

The suit is the third harassment-related suit filed by firefighters against the city in the past two years. Captains Troy Hurd and Brian Giles filed suits in federal court in 2016 and 2017 respectively, claiming they were passed over for promotion and faced disciplinary actions in retaliation for reporting harassment.

Benson’s suit was filed in Lancaster County District Court. The complaint is not available, but will be posted in the event it can be obtained. Here is more on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
© Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved. | FireLawBlog.com & Curt Varone | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
x

Check Also

Virginia Firefighters Seek $1.5 Billion from PFAS Companies

Six Virginia firefighters and the estate of a deceased firefighter have filed suit against 25 companies associated with per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) seeking $1.5 Billion in damages. The named lead plaintiff in the action is Sara P. Chiaverotti, wife of Virginia Beach Fire Captain Matthew Chiaverotti who died from anaplastic thyroid cancer last year.

Rochester Firefighter Claims Domestic Violence and Gender Discrimination

A Rochester firefighter who claims to have been the victim of domestic violence and sexual harassment at work, has filed suit against the City of Rochester. The firefighter, identified as Jane Doe, claims that the city failed to protect her from domestic violence as required by state law and city policy, and that she was sexually harassed by coworkers at work.