LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Lansing Fire Chief Brian Sturdivant’s contract will not be renewed at the end of the year.

That decision by the city of Lansing comes as a lawsuit against the city and fire department moves through the courts. The lawsuit alleges Sturdivant violated the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act when he asked two male firefighters to check if a female firefighter wore a bra at work. The city named Carrie Edwards-Clemons as the Interim Fire Chief effective immediately. She will remain in that role until a permanent Fire Chief is appointed.

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The lawsuit filed last month in Ingham County represents Cecilia Major; she started working for the department as a paramedic/firefighter in 2021.  Major works 24-hour shifts at a firehouse in Lansing, where she also sleeps and eats. The lawsuit says she is the only woman assigned to that firehouse.

This June, Major reported to Edwards-Clemons’ office. She said Sturdivant wanted to know why she was not wearing a bra at all times while at work, according to the lawsuit. It also claims Major believed she was being discriminated against by being targeted and singled out. Later, the lawsuit claims Sturdivant discussed Major’s undergarments in a meeting, threatened her with insubordination, and ordered her to wear a bra. In addition, two male firefighters were ordered to check if Major was wearing a bra while on duty.

The Lansing Professional Firefighters Local 421 represents the Lansing department and released a statement following the announcement of Sturdivant’s exit.