Former employee sues city of Willard for discrimination, alleges former mayor harassed him

A former City of Willard employee is suing the city for discrimination and retaliation, alleging the city did not follow its policies when he reported sexual harassment.

The lawsuit filed in Greene County Sept. 27 by Greg Williams alleges he reported sexual harassment based on the conduct of the mayor Oct. 2, 2023, yet the city did not take any steps to address the situation. Williams was the city's first director of economic development before the department was abruptly disbanded near the end of 2023.

While the petition does not name the mayor alleged to have sexually harassed Williams, at the time that the report was made, Sam Snider served as the mayor of Willard. Snider resigned just hours before his scheduled impeachment hearing on Oct. 26, a few weeks before Williams' Nov. 15 termination. Jay Kirksey, the attorney representing Williams, confirmed that Snider was the mayor referenced in the lawsuit.

According to a Charge of Discrimination filed with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights and attached to the lawsuit, Snider, this time explicitly named, allegedly asked Williams his age, whether he was still having sex, still "able to get it up" and whether he had ever had sex with a man. The document notes Williams told him these questions were inappropriate and on the same day made a verbal report to the city's interim administrator and a written one to the city clerk/ human resources officer.

According to court documents, after Williams made the report, the claims were never investigated and no findings were made as would be required by city policy. He was informed of his termination Nov. 15, 2023, though it would not go into effect until Dec. 21, 2023, "for the pretextual reason that the city no longer needed the economic benefit of his services," the lawsuit reads. The lawsuit alleges this was retaliation for his report of sexual harassment.

"Mr. Williams made a verbal and a written report under the city's discrimination and harassment policy of the occurrence of inappropriate sexual harassment. In retaliation, the city terminated him, even though he had been an excellent employee," Kirksey said.

The city's policy, as attached to the Charge of Discrimination, does note that all allegations "will be quickly and fully investigated." In his recount of the retaliation, Williams wrote that he had received an "outstanding" performance review that September and aldermen spoke positively about his performance.

Kirksey said he could not comment on whether any other employees have had similar experiences but said he intends that to be a part of the lawsuit and discovery as the case moves forward.

More: Christian County sued for sex discrimination, retaliating against female employee

Through the lawsuit, Williams seeks to receive attorney's fees and any monetary or benefit reimbursements that he had to lose because of the alleged discrimination and subsequent retaliation.

Current Willard Mayor Troy Smith said the city could not comment on the lawsuit.

Snider, reached by the News-Leader, said he would provide a statement but did not follow up or respond to further texts and phone calls before deadline.

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Former employee sues city of Willard for discrimination, alleges former mayor harassed him