Contact: Sue Gibson, Missouri Chapter, National Organization for Women, at-large board member 573-353-6463

APRIL 4, 2014…The Missouri Chapter of the National Organization for Women joins the Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri Local 2665 in protesting the decision by the Monarch Fire Protection District Board of Directors to hire former Deputy Chief Cary Spiegel as Assistant Chief.

Having been fired by the Fire District in 2011, after the Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed judgments against Monarch in favor of two female employees who had brought a gender discrimination law suit against the District naming Spiegel, third in command at that time, and others as complicit in actions of gender discrimination and creation of a hostile work environment, makes Spiegel, by definition, inappropriate for any managerial position. Aware that he has maintained his innocence, we assert that if not complicit, he would have had to have been clueless as to what was going on throughout his department, for discrimination and a hostile work environment to have flourished. Neither alternative is acceptable.

Though Monarch Board President Robin Harris says his education and experience make Spiegel the most qualified candidate for Assistant Chief, his accusers have maintained that he was complicit in the abuse leading up to the 2011 judgment. Experience and education are only two among many factors that make a candidate qualified for a position. Spiegel will have neither the respect of the firefighters nor the confidence of the public. We find it extraordinary, as well, that Chief Tom Vineyard, to whom Spiegel will directly report, was not included in the selection process for his own Assistant Chief.

Firefighters, indeed all workers, deserve dignity, supportive working environments, and freedom from discrimination. In 2014, we will not be silent while public servants are treated disrespectfully. We demand a public accounting by Robin Harris’ Monarch Fire Protection District board, and strongly urge reconsideration of the decision to place Cary Spiegel in any position of authority.

Sue Gibson

Missouri Chapter, National Organization for Women – 573-353-6463