A five-year legal battle stemming from accusations of workplace sexual discrimination and retaliation has finally ended with a school district agreeing to pay more than $1 million to one of its former employees.
In settlement made in August between the Jefferson City School District and its former instructional technology coordinator, the district agreed to pay Tammy Ferry nearly $1.3 million. Ferry had filed a civil lawsuit in 2017 alleging sexual discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment. Defendants in the case included the district, Ferry’s former supervisor and the district’s former superintendent.
Filed separate lawsuit after firing
Ferry remained employed at the district for the two years after filing the initial lawsuit. She had served in her role for 11 years until her 2019 firing. Upon her termination, she filed a second lawsuit, alleging retaliation.
The district had fired her, citing that Ferry violated privacy laws when she transferred work files to a personal account. Ferry said she had done so to support her discrimination suit against the district. The Missouri Supreme Court in January upheld Ferry’s firing.
As part of the settlement, the district will pay Ferry $30,000 for “economic damages” and $155,000 for “non-economic” damages. In addition, the district agreed to pay $500,000 to an insurance company to fund monthly payments of nearly $6,400 to Ferry for seven years.
Stand up for yourself
If you face any type of workplace discrimination related to gender, race, religion, disability and age, stand up and fight against your employer’s illegal behavior. Secure the insight of an experienced legal advocate.
