IA Firefighter Sues City, Fire Chief for Sexual Discrimination

An Iowa firefighter claims she faced sexaul discrimination and harassment while on the job, according to a lawsuit. 

Dubuque firefighter Jami Brooks is suing the city and the fire chief, alleging that the Iowa Civil Rights Act was violated on multiple incidents, The Associated Press reports. The act prohibits gender discrimination when it comes to employment, housing, education and other areas.

According to the lawsuit, male firefighters allegedly walked in on Boss while she was using the women's restroom. A coworker also is accused of putting his hands down the back of Boss' pants.

Another instance detailed in the lawsuit alleges that a male lieutenant told Boss that she was hired because she was a woman, the Des Moines Register reports. The lieutenant also allegedly told Boss that women shouldn't be allowed to work in the department.

Boss claims she faced discrimination since joining the department in 2011. In a formal response to the complaint, city officials denied most of the accusations.