Jamie Davis, an animal control officer for the City of Indianola, has filed a federal lawsuit against the city, alleging violations of his civil rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. § 1981. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi in Greenville and claims race and sex discrimination.
Davis, a black male resident of Sunflower County, was hired by the city on February 13, 2024, at a wage of $10.35 per hour, the lawsuit says. He was promoted to interim director of Animal Control in September 2024. During his tenure, Davis reported a colleague for allegedly stealing time, which he claims led to his wrongful suspension and a recommendation for termination by Mayor Ken Featherstone.
On October 29, 2024, Davis was suspended without pay amid allegations regarding a money order he allegedly cashed. He was reinstated on December 20, 2024, after appealing the termination recommendation, but was placed on a 90-day probationary period. Notably, on the same day he was reinstated, the city hired Katherine Chudy, a white female with less experience, as the new director of Animal Control, at a higher wage of $15 per hour, the complaint said.
Davis filed a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on February 12, 2025, citing discrimination based on race and sex. The EEOC’s response, issued on February 19, 2025, stated that they would not pursue further investigation but did not dismiss the validity of his claims, allowing him to take legal action, the lawsuit said.
In his charge, Davis detailed his experiences, asserting that discrimination occurred between October 29, 2024, and December 19, 2024. He alleged that his reports against a colleague were ignored and that he faced unjust treatment during the investigation.
The lawsuit outlines three primary counts against the City of Indianola:
Count I: Violation of Title VII - Race Discrimination
Davis alleges that the city discriminated against him based on his race, resulting in lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. He seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
Count II: Violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1981 - Race Discrimination
In this count, Davis asserts that the city’s actions were intentional and malicious, further contributing to his humiliation and financial losses.
Count III: Violation of Title VII - Sex Discrimination
Davis claims that he was discriminated against because of his sex, leading to significant emotional distress and economic harm.
Currently, Davis remains employed by the City of Indianola while pursuing his case. He is represented by Watson & Norris, PLLC, of Flowood, and is demanding a jury trial. He seeks back wages, reinstatement or future pay, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney's fees, and other relief deemed just by the court.
