A four-year-old lawsuit brought by a fired library technician against the Tangipahoa Parish Library in Amite, Louisiana, was settled February 19 through arbitration. Donna Kennedy had filed suit in federal court in March 1998 after her dismissal for writing a letter to board members that complained about the library’s lack of proper security. The letter had called for improved safety measures in the wake of the rape and beating of a coworker at the Independence branch in October 1997.
Library officials declined to comment on whether a cash settlement was part of the resolution, according to the February 20 Hammond Daily Star.
At the time of the firing, Library System Director Pat Sledge said Kennedy was fired for the good of the library, citing absences from work and exceeding authority in some matters. However, Kennedy’s attorney Tom Hogan told the Star that “The only reason for her demotion and subsequent termination was because of the letter, because of her expression of her opinion on a matter of public concern.”
Coincidentally, the Independence branch formally opened a new facility in a different location the same day the lawsuit was settled.
Posted February 25, 2002.