Windsor, who served as the agency’s communications director from January 2019 to August 2021, sued the OCFA in October 2021, alleging that the agency had a “well-documented history of chauvinism and misogyny,” including previous lawsuits alleging gender discrimination. The settlement was reached in in July 2023, but its details were first reported Friday by the Times of San Diego. A spokesperson for the Orange County Fire Authority declined to comment on the case, saying the agency does not comment on personnel matters. “Nevertheless, several firefighters employed by OCFA started a rumor that Windsor may be ill and she was putting the lives of other OCFA employees in danger,” the lawsuit alleged. According to court filings, Windsor tried to inform a deputy chief about the incidents, but she was told OCFA had no mechanism for an executive-level employee to file a complaint alleging gender bias.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 22, 2024 12:11 UTC