FLF Client Pushes for Equality in Polk County

| Jun 3, 2021 | Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

Happy Pride Month!

We are constantly amazed by our LGBTQ+ clients and allies that have the courage and tenacity to take a stand when they see injustice. James Sargent is someone we are particularly proud of.

James always dreamed of working within the Polk County Medical Examiner’s office (“PCME”). He had the requisite skills, education, and experience to excel there. However, he was not selected after a stellar interview and job shadowing experience. A couple years later, a concerned PCME employee shared with James that she had a recording where PCME employees made rude comments and jokes about James’ involvement in the Des Moines Titans, a group the PCME employees inaccurately referred to as a “gay BDSM group.” It was especially troubling for James to learn that a reason cited for not selecting him for the job was PCME leadership had concerns about how this would look to the public.  When James learned this, he took a stand to make sure that other LGBTQ+ employees do not face similar treatment.

Because of James’ courage to take a stand, Polk County is issuing a proclamation in support of the LGBTQ+ community as well as providing additional training to its staff on diversity and inclusion James also reached a $200,000 settlement with the County.  FLF Attorneys David Albrecht and Amy Beck represented James throughout his case.

Read more about James’ case here.