LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – What started as a workplace question about undergarments has ended with Lansing taxpayers picking up a hefty tab.
The city agreed to a six-figure settlement recently with a female firefighter/paramedic who sued over what she described as humiliating and discriminatory treatment tied to whether she was wearing a bra on duty. The lawsuit alleged she was singled out, questioned by the former fire chief, and even monitored by two male colleagues over her attire – despite the absence of any written policy requiring women to wear bras.
From uniform issue to legal liability.
According to reports, the firefighter, Cecilia Major, claimed the situation crossed the line from dress code enforcement into gender discrimination and a hostile work environment. The case was filed under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex.
Rather than fight it out in court, Lansing opted to settle, giving Major $220,000 plus attorney’s fees and related costs – plus three months paid time off. The settlement closes the case but opens the city wallet.
City spokesperson Scott Bean said in a statement, “We are pleased that the firefighter involved, as well as the city, can move past this incident. The City of Lansing made no admission of liability in this case, and the firefighter remains a valued member of our team of first responders. We appreciate her service to our community.”
