Rochester City Council member Molly Dennis has initiated legal proceedings against the city, Mayor Kim Norton, and fellow council member Patrick Keane, filing a discrimination lawsuit. Representing herself, Dennis alleges that a censure imposed on March 6, 2023, and subsequent actions violated state and federal employment and human rights protections, restricting her elected duties and demoting her to employee status.
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Discrimination Lawsuit Targets Censure and Disability
Molly Dennis seeks over $400,000 on eight counts of alleged discrimination, claiming that the censure imposed on her infringed upon her rights, particularly in light of her diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The censure is alleged to have reprimanded her for traits associated with the disability, hindering her communication with city staff and impeding her role as a council member.
The lawsuit spotlights the purported discrimination tied to ADHD, emphasizing how characteristics such as difficulty focusing and a short attention span were cited in the censure. Dennis argues that these traits, associated with her disability, unfairly impacted her effectiveness in her role as a council member.
Mayor Norton is also accused of defamation in the lawsuit, with allegations of false statements made during an investigation of Dennis’ discrimination claims. The statements involve accusations of Dennis seeking confidential police information and attempting to influence parking ticket outcomes, further complicating the legal dispute.
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Mayor Responds Amid Strained Relations
Mayor Norton expresses disappointment in response to the lawsuit, noting potential strain on community relationships and resources. The legal action has prompted the city to engage outside counsel to prepare for upcoming proceedings, raising questions about the potential repercussions on the dynamics within the Rochester City Council and the broader community.
The unfolding legal saga involving the discrimination lawsuit brings attention to the internal tensions within the Rochester City Council, leaving uncertainties about the impact it might have on community dynamics and the overall functioning of the local government.
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