KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Black Kansas City firefighter is claiming employment discrimination and retaliation in his lawsuit against the fire department.
It comes at the same time the city of Kansas City, Missouri, confirmed the United States Department of Justice is investigating the Kansas City Fire Department.
Stephen Seals claims he’s experienced discrimination, retaliation, and hostility during his time at KCFD. The Black battalion chief has worked there for nearly 30 years.
In the 16-page lawsuit, Seals says he was passed over for a promotion for someone “significantly younger” and “less-qualified.”
Seals told his deputy chief why he believed he wasn’t chosen citing his involvement in diversity, equity and inclusion task forces, making complaints of discrimination and his previous charges of discrimination and lawsuit.
It’s not the first time he’s sued KCFD. In 2019, Seals alleged white colleagues were chosen over him for promotions. City council members later approved a $250,000 settlement in 2021.
Seals also revealed in his latest lawsuit the DOJ contacted him last January. He said the DOJ told him they’re investigating the work environment of Black firefighters, including instances of race discrimination and the department’s hiring, promotional and assignment processes.
The KSHB 41 I-Team sought out an expert voice to help explain the process. Saint Louis University Law Professor Marcia McCormick specializes in employment law.
“The fact of the investigation is...
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