Pruitt awarded 400K out-of-court settlement in suit against City of Edmonds

Sherman Pruitt has been awarded a $400,000 out-of-court settlement from the City of Edmonds, concluding his lawsuit that alleged racial discrimination, harassment, and stereotyping in the hiring process for the city's police chief position. The settlement was authorized by Mayor Mike Rosen after a City Council meeting on January 7, with the final agreement signed on January 21. As part of the settlement, Pruitt has agreed to drop all complaints against the city and will hold it harmless from any future legal actions related to the claims made in his lawsuit. Notably, the agreement specifies that there is no admission of liability or wrongdoing by the city, and Pruitt is responsible for his own attorney fees. The cash award will be covered by the city’s insurer, WICA, ensuring that city funds remain unaffected.

Pruitt's attorneys expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, noting that their client's pursuit of justice sparked important conversations about employment equality. This case serves as a significant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in public hiring processes. Overall, the settlement not only resolves Pruitt's claims but also encourages continued dialogue on the critical issue of racial discrimination in local government practices.