LANSING, Mich. — The city of Lansing will not renew Fire Chief Brian Sturdivant’s contract when it expires at the end of the year.
WILX reported the decision comes as the city and fire department face a lawsuit alleging Sturdivant violated the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act after he asked two male firefighters to confirm that a female firefighter was wearing a bra.
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“Mayor Schor has notified the City Council and Fire Board of Commissioners that he has named Carrie Edwards-Clemons as the Interim Fire Chief effective immediately and she will remain in the role until a permanent Fire Chief is appointed,” city officials said in a statement. “While we do not comment on details of personnel matters, Brian Sturdivant’s contract, which ends on December 31, is not being renewed. We thank him for his service to the City of Lansing.”
City officials did not say whether the decision was related to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit says Firefighter/Paramedic Cecilia Major, the only woman assigned to her Lansing firehouse, works 24-hour shifts there. It alleges that in June she was summoned to an assistant chief’s office and told the chief had ordered a meeting about why she was not wearing a bra at all times while at work.
The lawsuit alleges Major’s concerns were routed to the chief instead of HR, and that during a June 24 meeting, Sturdivant objected to her union steward’s presence and limited his participation.
The lawsuit also alleges Sturdivant questioned Major about wearing a bra, called it improper despite no such policy, and threatened her with insubordination when she raised questions.
Lansing Professional Firefighters Local 421 said in a statement that it “stands firmly and unapologetically” with Major.
“When this member stepped forward, and these allegations were made, and the lawsuit was filed, we were taken aback by this,” Union President Brad Jorae said. “We want to see accountability and better communication, and a commitment to a culture where every firefighter feels safe, valued and supported. That’s what we’re fighting for.”
