Lexington County Reaches Settlement with Fired Clerk
In a surprising twist for the folks in Lexington County, local leaders have decided to vote in favor of a settlement with Brittany Shumpert, a former clerk to the county council who was dismissed under controversial circumstances last year. The council met earlier this week, and after much discussion, they approved this settlement during a public vote.
The Backstory
So what exactly happened? Let’s rewind to April 2023 when Schumpert, who had been managing the county’s administrative duties for three years, was let go during a public vote that left many scratching their heads. Following her termination, Shumpert took legal action against the county, claiming she had been wrongfully fired for two main reasons: the grounds of her disability and the way her termination was handled, which she stated violated the S.C. Freedom of Information Act.
Claims of Wrongful Termination
Shumpert contends that she faced undue pressure to resign from her position. According to her allegations, the county’s human resources director had informed her that if she didn’t resign, the rest of the council would fire her with a “unanimous” vote. This, she interpreted as a sign that some behind-the-scenes discussions or possibly a hidden poll had already occurred, breaking the law that mandates public meetings for such decisions.
Health Concerns and Reprimands
The lawsuit also brings to light some troubling accusations regarding Shumpert’s health. She mentioned that after undergoing two significant medical procedures, she was questioned about taking sick leave while attending a meeting visibly marked by her recovery, sporting a noticeable bandage on her face. The meeting lasted well over four hours, from 5 PM until nearly 10 PM, leaving her feeling cornered and scrutinized.
According to court documents, this all snowballed after a minor disagreement regarding a conference room reservation with the county’s economic development director. Following this incident, Council Chairwoman Beth Carrigg allegedly confronted Shumpert, yelled at her in front of her colleagues, and further questioned her work ethic, despite Shumpert having no prior employment issues.
Where Do We Go from Here?
After months of turmoil and legal battles, details of the proposed settlement are still under wraps as it is covered by a non-disclosure agreement. However, it has been reported that both parties are eager to move on from this two-sided controversy.
As the dust begins to settle, Council Chairwoman Carrigg declined to provide comment, and attempts to reach Shumpert’s legal team were unsuccessful as well. This situation raises essential questions about workplace rights, transparency, and how local government bodies manage their internal matters.
Final Thoughts
While Lexington County residents will likely get updates on this topic in the future, the settlement symbolizes a crucial turning point—both for Shumpert and how the local council will navigate similar matters going forward. For now, let’s hope this can serve as a learning experience and lead to more transparent practices in local governance.
