Lexington County Agrees to Settle Lawsuit with Former Council Clerk
In a recent turn of events, the Lexington County Council voted to settle a lawsuit with Brittany Shumpert, who claimed she was wrongfully terminated from her position as the council clerk last year. The decision, made in a meeting on Tuesday, marks an important conclusion to a dispute that has captured the interest of many in the local community.
A Challenging Year for Shumpert
Shumpert, who served as the county’s clerk for three years, faced a tough situation after her firing during a council vote in April 2023. Following her termination, she filed a lawsuit earlier this year, alleging that her dismissal stemmed from two significant factors: first, that she was fired due to a disability, and second, that the vote to terminate her violated the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
The former clerk’s allegations pointed to a troubling narrative, suggesting that she was pressured into resigning before the vote and warned by the county’s human resources director about the potential for a “unanimous” vote against her if she didn’t comply. Shumpert expressed her concern that this implied a secret poll had been conducted among council members, which, according to South Carolina law, should not happen outside of an open meeting.
A Closer Look at the Lawsuit
Shumpert’s lawsuit also revealed details of her personal medical struggles, particularly surrounding her use of sick leave for two medical procedures in March. She claims that during a meeting where she was asked about her sick time, she had a large bandage on her face, a clear sign of her medical situation. This unexpected questioning left some colleagues puzzled, especially given the timing and her physical condition at the time.
Things intensified when Shumpert described a heated exchange with Council Chairwoman Beth Carrigg, who allegedly became irate following a disagreement over a conference room reservation. According to the lawsuit, Carrigg swiftly shifted the blame onto Shumpert, even going as far as to yell at her in front of coworkers while questioning her job performance.
Timeline of Events
The timeline leading to Shumpert’s firing is crucial to understanding the complexities of this situation. The meeting with Carrigg, where tensions boiled over, reportedly took place only a week before Shumpert was quizzed about her medical leave. Shortly after, a new agenda item regarding her employment was added, and soon after, she was placed on administrative leave due to alleged “insubordination.”
Settlement Details Still Underwraps
While the council has settled with Shumpert, specific details about the agreement remain under wraps. Chairwoman Carrigg confirmed that any discussion points and stipulations surrounding the settlement will be shielded by a non-disclosure agreement. The attorneys representing Shumpert, Paul Porter and Elizabeth Millender from the firm Cromer Babb and Porter, were contacted for comments, but it seems they were not available to provide any immediate statements.
This settlement wraps up a challenging chapter for both Shumpert and Lexington County. It serves as a noteworthy reminder of the complexities involved in local government, personnel management, and the rights of employees, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues like health and well-being.
As Lexington County moves forward, the community remains eager to see how this situation will influence future council decisions and policies, hoping for a more transparent and supportive work environment.
