Colleen Stuart, et al vs. City of Topeka, Kansas, et al

Case Background

On January 18, 2023, Plaintiff Colleen Stuart, Jana Harden, and Jennifer Cross filed a Gender Discrimination lawsuit in the Kansas District Court (Case number: 2:23-cv-02021). District Judge Toby Crouse presided over the case.

Cause

In November 2021, Bryan Wheeles became the new Chief of Police for TPD. Shortly after, the department announced Captain Jamey Haltom as the new Deputy Chief without conducting a formal hiring process. The hiring committee passed over Stuart and Harden, both more qualified candidates, for the position. In December 2021, the department promoted Michael Cross, a male, to Major over Stuart and Harden, despite their superior qualifications and experience. The plaintiffs described a work environment rife with discrimi