Three lawsuits since December accuse officials and employees of racism, sexism and retaliation against whistleblowers. If they are found credible, the city of Normandy could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in legal bills.
It's the latest controversy in a city that has been facing a power struggle between Mayor Mark Beckmann and the majority of the city council that has included the mayor suing the council and the council threatening to impeach him.
The first lawsuit came in spring 2021 when former public works director Kevin Gibson contended in federal court he was fired as a part of then-interim Mayor Maurice Hunt's attempt to rid the city of white workers. Hunt is Black and Gibson is white.
Former City Clerk Sharon Warren and housing and police clerk Kathy Tracy make similar complaints in their own federal lawsuit filed in January, accusing Hunt of making comments including "Don't hire white people" and creating a hostile work environment.
Hunt, who is now a member of the city council, told the Post-Dispatch he fired both people for cause and denied making discriminatory remarks.
"I would never say any of those things," he said. "I'm fine with all white people. I believe in equal opportunity for all."
Police Sgt. Tameika Sanders, a Black woman, said discriminatory attitudes persisted in the city's police department for different reasons. Sanders is accusing the city and police department permitted a "hyper-sexualized atmosphere" where she was groped and assaulted...
Ryan Amacher, who played role in bid to damage campaign, has also made antisemitic and racist posts on social media An influencer who played a key role in hoax claims that James Talarico was in a ...