Topeka agrees to nearly $300,000 payout to settle firefighter’s gender discrimination lawsuit

TOPEKA (KSNT) – The City of Topeka has agreed to pay a nearly $300,000 to a former firefighter to settle a federal gender discrimination lawsuit.

Former Topeka Fire Department firefighter Barbara Hack claims the city violated her civil rights when it allegedly passed her up for promotions on the basis of her gender. In 2023, she sued the city after filing a charge of discrimination with the Kansas Human Rights Commission and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

According to the lawsuit, Hack applied for multiple promotions during her 24 years with the Topeka Fire Department. She documented times she was passed up for promotions in favor of less qualified men. She illustrated a working environment rife with sexual harassment that made women feel unwelcome, alleging it was common knowledge the department was a “good ole boys club” and that women would not expect to be promoted to the level of shift commander.

Hack accused the City of Topeka of engaging in a pattern and practice of gender discrimination, and claimed damages of past and future lost wages and emotional distress.

In May of this year, the court ruled there was enough evidence to move forward with a trial. It found a reasonable jury could conclude Hack was passed up for promotion due to gender bias. It also found the City of Topeka’s failure to utilize its human resources department during the firefighter promotion process is the type of procedural irregularity that could appear to be a pretext for discrimination.

On Sept. 26, the parties reached a settlement, according to a court filing.

At its regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 14 the governing body voted to approve a payment of $292,500 to resolve the lawsuit. City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett issued the following statement to 27 News regarding the settlement:

“As a City, in accordance with our Personnel Manual and applicable laws, we are committed to treating all employees fairly and with respect while fostering a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities for professional growth and development. While the City does not admit to any liability related to this matter and asserts that it did not discriminate against its employees, the settlement was deemed to be in the City’s best interests. The City has no further comment at this time.”
Dan Garrett
City of Topeka Director of Communications & Media Relations

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