Tentative Trial Date Set for High-Profile Rochester Lawsuit
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A tentative trial date has been set for a high-profile Rochester lawsuit.
Mayor Kim Norton, Councilmember Patrick Keene and the City of Rochester are listed as the defendants. The suit was brought by a member of the Rochester City Council.
Last month Councilmember Molly Dennis sued the city and two of its leaders, claiming she was the victim of discrimination on account of symptoms caused by her Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Earlier this week an Olmsted County judge set a tentative September 20 pre-trial date. The trial would start on September 30.
The court filing alleges the elected leaders and city officials intentionally discriminated against her by reprimanding and punishing her for behaviors that she says are well-known characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD.
The lawsuit also alleges the mayor made a public statement to intentionally defame and injure Dennis. Dennis was censured by the City Council last March.
Following the censure, Dennis accused the city of failing to accommodate her under the Public Services provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
The City then hired an outside law firm to conduct an investigation, which determined Dennis’s claims were unsubstantiated. The lawsuit alleges eight counts of discrimination.
Dennis is seeking $50,000 in damages for each count, according to the court document.
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