City of Wilmington denies allegations in former DEI director’s lawsuit

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The City of Wilmington is denying allegations made by a former employee who filed a lawsuit claiming discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment.

In an answer filed April 27 in federal court, the city denied violating any law or right of former Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Kimberly Carson. The city also denied that it or any of its employees engaged in racial discrimination, retaliation, constitutional violations or conduct that created a hostile work environment.

Carson’s complaint includes claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the U.S. Constitution, the North Carolina Constitution and North Carolina common law.

The city admits Carson was formerly employed as director of diversity, equity and inclusion and that her employment was terminated. However, the city says Carson was terminated based on violations of city policies.

The city also says all actions taken related to Carson’s employment were based on “non-discriminatory, non-retaliatory, and legitimate business-related reasons.”

In the filing, the city asks that Carson recover nothing, that the complaint be dismissed with prejudice and that the city be awarded costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees.