A Dubuque firefighter who sued the city for sexual harassment and gender discrimination has been awarded $575,000 in damages.
Jami Boss sued the city of Dubuque and Fire Chief Rick Steines in September 2020. She contended she had suffered years of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
A jury on Friday found she proved her claims of harassment and discrimination but not prove a claim of retaliation, The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reported.
Boss said she hoped the verdict would hold someone accountable for the treatment she received at the fire department, where she has worked since 2011.
The lawsuit included allegations that a male co-worker put his hands down the back of Boss’s pants, she was passed over for promotion several times for male coworkers and that a new practical exam was started when she became eligible for promotion.
The city said in a news release that it would use the jury finding as an opportunity for review and growth.
Les Reddick, the attorney representing the City of Dubuque and Steines, said he could not say if his clients would pursue the matter further.
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