Jury Verdict on Claims Against City

Feb. 18, 2022 -- For Immediate Release

Over the last two weeks, a jury of Dubuque County citizens heard a case against the City of Dubuque by an employee, Jami Boss, for claims of:

1. Gender discrimination
2. Sexual harassment
3. Retaliation

After approximately a day of deliberations, the jury returned verdicts for Boss on two claims and for the City on one claim.  The City defended itself as it did not believe there was gender discrimination, sexual harassment, or retaliation.  The jury disagreed on gender discrimination and sexual harassment and agreed on the retaliation claim.

The jury awarded Boss past damages of $50,000 for gender discrimination and $75,000 for sexual harassment along with future emotional distress damages of $150,000 for gender discrimination and $300,000 for sexual harassment.

The City intends to use the jury findings as an opportunity for reflection, review, and growth.