Lexington County Settles with Former Clerk After Controversial Firing and Lawsuit

Lexington County Reaches Settlement with Former Clerk After Controversial Firing

In a development that has stirred quite a bit of conversation in the community, Lexington County has decided to reach a settlement with Brittany Shumpert, the former clerk of the county council who made headlines after her firing last year. The county council members voted in a significant meeting on Tuesday to approve the settlement, bringing a contentious chapter to a close.

The Background Story

Shumpert had been a familiar face in the Lexington County council chambers, handling the administrative business for the council for three years before being let go in April 2023. Her termination was anything but smooth, coming as it did, in a public council vote. It wasn’t long before Shumpert filed a lawsuit claiming her dismissal was not only wrongful but also steeped in disability discrimination and a breach of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.

Claims of Wrongful Termination

In her lawsuit, Shumpert made serious allegations about her treatment leading up to her dismissal. She claimed she was pressured to resign before being fired and was told by the county’s human resources director that a “unanimous” vote to remove her would happen if she refused. This raised an alarm for Shumpert, as she interpreted these words to suggest that there had been a secret poll of the council members prior to the public vote—a possible violation of state law that mandates all decisions be made during open meetings.

Medical Leave Raises Eyebrows

Adding fuel to the fire, Shumpert also cited concerns over being questioned about her use of sick leave. She had taken time off for two medical procedures and claims it was inappropriate and insensitive for her to be cross-examined during a meeting while visibly recuperating, with a large bandage on her face. “I was in the middle of healing, yet I was pulled into a 5 p.m. meeting and wasn’t let go until nearly 10 p.m.,” she shared.

A Dispute Influences Events

The saga didn’t end there! The lawsuit points to a significant incident that occurred prior to Shumpert’s termination—her disagreement with the county’s economic development director over a conference room reservation. This conflict reportedly led to heated exchanges, with Council Chairwoman Beth Carrigg allegedly confronting Shumpert, blaming her for the fallout, and raising questions about her job performance.

Just a week after this tense meeting, it appears that the council’s agenda suddenly became more focused on Shumpert’s employment status. Human resources informed her that she would be placed on leave for “insubordination.” This quick turn of events has left many scratching their heads about what really transpired behind closed doors.

Looking Ahead: The Settlement Speculations

So, what does this settlement mean for Shumpert? Unfortunately, specific details regarding the settlement remain under wraps, as they are covered by a non-disclosure agreement. Council Chairwoman Carrigg has chosen not to divulge further information, leaving community members waiting for more transparency.

Shumpert is represented by attorneys Paul Porter and Elizabeth Millender from the firm of Cromer Babb and Porter, but they were unavailable for comment when attempts were made to reach them.

Conclusion

The saga of Brittany Shumpert and her contentious interaction with Lexington County highlights the often turbulent waters local government can navigate. As this story unfolded, it sparked discussions about employment rights, disability discrimination, and the importance of transparency in public service. Will this settlement lead to changes in how things are run at the county council? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: residents are keenly observing the unfolding drama.