TOPEKA (KSNT) – City leaders approved a settlement of just over $1 million tied to two sex discrimination cases involving the Topeka Police Department on Friday.
City of Topeka councilmembers, City Manager Robert Perez and others gathered for a special meeting at 11 a.m. on May 1. Perez called for the special meeting to convene to discuss the settlement of one or more lawsuits.
City spokesman Dan Garrett issued a press release following the meeting, stating the city’s governing body approved of the settlement total. The City of Topeka is now waiting for a signed settlement agreement from all parties involved, which would conclude these two cases and related appeals.
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Garrett said the funding for this settlement agreement comes from the city’s Special Liability Fund, which is separate from the city’s General Fund.
“The settlement agreement and related payment is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the City. The City is committed to treating all employees fairly and respectfully in accordance with its Personnel Manual and applicable laws.”
City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett press release excerpt
The two cases are tied to lawsuits filed by women who worked for the TPD back in 2023. Jennifer Cross and Colleen Stuart were listed as two of the plaintiffs. The women made allegations against the TPD, stating they had been passed over for promotions and treated differently than their male coworkers. We have reached out to the legal representatives of the women for a statement.
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