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Employment Law
Race Discrimination
Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Thomas Willis v. City and County of San Francisco, Theresa Sparks, Mickey Callahan

Published: Jun. 6, 2013 | Result Date: Apr. 28, 2013 |

Case number: 3:12-cv-231 Settlement –  $210,000

Court

USDC Northern


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Spencer F. Smith

Dow W. Patten
(Smith Patten)


Defendant

Terence J. Howzell
(Office of the Palo Alto City Attorney)


Facts

Thomas Willis began working for the City and County of San Francisco in 2001 and was commended on multiple occasions, receiving a bonus in 2008 for being rated a top performer. In 2010, Willis was transferred to the City and County of San Francisco Human Rights Commission, where he was placed in the position of Senior Manager of the Non-Discrimination Division.

While working at the division, he began to have problems with other employees and his director, Theresa Sparks. Eventually he was discharged from employment on Aug. 29, 2011.

Willis filed suit against the City and County of San Francisco, alleging race and sexual orientation discrimination and for retaliation. He argued that he was terminated because Sparks, who is transgender, discriminated against heterosexual African American males.

Result

The parties settled for $210,000.


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