Lexington County Settles Controversial Firing Lawsuit with Former Clerk

Lexington County Settles with Former Clerk Over Controversial Firing

In the bustling heart of Lexington, news has emerged that has stirred quite a conversation among locals. The Lexington County Council has made a significant decision to settle a lawsuit brought by Brittany Shumpert, the former clerk for the county council, who was dismissed from her role last year. After a public vote to fire her in April 2023, Shumpert took action, claiming her termination was both sudden and unfair.

What Led to the Dismissal?

Shumpert, who had diligently served as the council’s clerk for three years, alleges that her firing was rooted in two troubling issues: a perceived disability discrimination and a breach of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. According to her claims, prior to the public vote that sealed her fate, she was pressured by the county’s human resources director to resign. She stated that she was threatened with a “unanimous” decision to fire her if she did not comply.

This raises eyebrows, as she believes a secret poll of council members took place before the vote, which would violate state law requiring such discussions to happen in open meetings. This isn’t just a minor concern; it’s a hefty accusation that hints at a lack of transparency within the council.

A Medical Predicament

Shumpert also recounts a troubling episode during a meeting when she was questioned about her sick leave. This was not just any sick leave—it was taken because she underwent two medical procedures in March. At the time, she had a visible bandage on her face, yet she says she endured a grueling three-and-a-half-hour meeting being scrutinized about her need for time off. Can you imagine? Talk about adding insult to injury!

The Catalyst: A Conference Room Dispute

According to Shumpert’s lawsuit, the storm started brewing after a disagreement with the county’s economic development director over a conference room reservation. Following that incident, Council Chairwoman Beth Carrigg allegedly chastised Shumpert, blaming her for the altercation and questioning her overall job performance in front of her colleagues. Ouch! That’s a tough pill to swallow for anyone in the workplace.

Just a week after this heated exchange, it seems that things escalated quickly. Shumpert claimed that an “employment item” was suddenly added to the agenda for the next council meeting, and then she was informed by human resources that she would be placed on leave due to “insubordination.” It seems like a tangled web of confusion and conflict that led to her firing.

The Settlement Offer

Now, here we are: the county council has agreed to settle with Shumpert, although the specific details remain under wraps, as they are bound by a non-disclosure agreement. Council Chairwoman Carrigg has commented on the situation, which she describes as unfortunate yet manageable. The settlement signals the council’s desire to put the matter behind them, but it also leaves many curious about the implications and the lessons to be learned from this incident.

The legal team representing Shumpert, which includes attorneys Paul Porter and Elizabeth Millender, have been working discreetly to navigate this complex case, but efforts to reach them for comments regarding the settlement have so far been unfruitful.

What’s Next for Lexington County?

As local residents ponder this latest drama, questions loom over the council’s internal dynamics and how they handle personnel issues. This case highlights the importance of communication and transparency in local government, and hopefully, it will serve as a catalyst for improvements in policy that protect employees and promote honesty. For now, the Lexington community watches closely, eager to see what unfolds after this turbulent chapter.