Former Tennessee College Police Chief Files Discrimination Suit

The former Chattanooga State Community College director of police services has filed lawsuit claiming she was discriminated against by one of her former bosses and eventually fired on trumped up charges.

The lawsuit says Assistant Vice President of Plant Operations Steve Huskins refused to call Stephanie Hill “Chief” and told her subordinates not to use the name either. According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the suit also claims Huskins ignored Hill in favor of her male peers and launched a campaign to have Hill removed from her post.

Huskins declined to comment, directing questions to the school. Chattanooga State spokeswoman Eva Lewis said the school couldn’t comment on a pending legal action.

Hill’s civil complaint alleges gender discrimination and retaliatory discharge and requests a jury trial.

The complaint claims Huskins initiated an investigation into complaints against Hill made by two officers who had been disciplined by her. The suit says Executive Vice President Tammy Swenson initially supported Hill and said the complaint would be dismissed. Swenson changed course when Hill refused to help keep traffic tickets issued to Swenson’s friends from being reported to the court, the suit claims.

The lawsuit says Hill was placed on paid administrative leave on Aug. 29, 2014. She was given a letter signed by former President Jim Catanzaro, but the suit says Catanzaro later told Hill he never signed it.

When Hill complained of discrimination, the school launched a 7-month investigation that concluded by recommending no action.

Topics Lawsuits Law Enforcement Education Universities Tennessee