Bruce filed the civil rights lawsuit Aug. 31, 2009, claiming she was denied an opportunity to retire and be rehired at a lower rate — an option she said was given to men with similar work histories, including her husband, former police chief John Bruce.
She became eligible to earn full benefits through the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System in 2007.
In an argument filed with the courts, the township’s lawyers argued there was no evidence of Bruce’s claim: “Her complaints of gender bias amount to nothing more than her own subjective perceptions,” the document filed Dec. 30, 2010 stated.
Per the settlement agreement, Bruce must retire by April 30 or resign. All charges of discrimination with the Equal Employment Commission also will be dropped. Both parties agreed to terms of confidentiality, and declined to comment.
An employee since 1977, Bruce was promoted in 1998 to the position. She earned $111,482 last year, according to township records.
Bruce is required to turn in her township automobile and any other equipment.
She may not apply for employment with the township, and must not make any disparaging comments about her employment, according to the settlement.
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