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Home > Blogs > West Chester News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > November > 20 > Entry
West Chester accused of gender discrimination
Note: I’ll post the lawsuit and the township’s answer below.
Excerpt
The civil rights lawsuit, filed Aug. 31 in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati, claims Communications and Information Technology Director Denise Bruce, an employee since 1976, was denied an opportunity that has been traditionally given to men with similar work histories, including her husband, former Police Chief John Bruce.
Bruce, 54, who was promoted to her current position in 1998, became eligible to receive full benefits through the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System in 2007. In September of that year, the lawsuit says Bruce approached the township with a request to participate in its retire/rehire option.
The option — used by townships, municipalities and school districts — allows an employee to retire then be rehired often at a lower salary, while collecting OPERS benefits. Although dubbed “double dipping” by some, employers say such programs allow them to maintain a level of experience at a lower cost.
Township Administrator Judi Boyko confirmed Tuesday, Nov. 17, her office had received the lawsuit and that it would respond as it does to all litigation. She declined to comment further.
Bruce also declined to comment.
The township’s answer, filed Oct. 29 in federal court, denies the discrimination claims.
A public records request showed the same year Bruce was denied participation to retire/rehire, the township approved similar requests for two male police lieutenants. In the two years leading up to Bruce’s request, the township approved three requests for male employees — each a member of the police department — including her husband, who was afforded the opportunity on Dec. 31, 2005, according to records.
Bruce also says she was denied her request out of retaliation after claiming the township’s actions for its male employees were discriminatory during a meeting with Boyko in October 2007.
Bruce filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Aug. 26, 2008.
Bruce never faced disciplinary action from the township, however his contract was not renewed when it expired Dec. 31, 2008. His nephew was asked to resign before ever donning a local badge.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
The lawsuit says Bruce received a “right to sue” from the EEOC on June 2, which led to the filing in U.S. District Court nearly three months later.
Here’s the lawsuit
Here’s the township’s answer
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: West Chester Twp. Government
Comments
By KR
November 21, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this
I hope more state employers take this action and DO NOT allow double dipping. Shame on West Chester for allowing double dipping to begin with and hopefully this signals a turn in attitudes by governments about allowing double dipping.
By truth squad
November 21, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this
Here is a WC employee with the title of Information Technology Director. She has NO degree in Computer Science, has no prior experience running or managing any sort of IT department, has NO IT manufacture certifications other than attending ice cream socials for vendors trying to sell something, and after all that has a base salary in excess of $100,000.00, plus benefits. All WC needs to do is eliminate the job position, and create a new position that requires real IT credentials and this would all be over. Of course the WC law firms and their bad advice keep the Mercedes dealer happy.
By ike
November 24, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this
And just remember—-goverment is doing it,s best to cut expenses. These retire/rehire belong in a jail cell along with the crooks that alow this to happen in the first place. Oba-mao supporters