Attorneys Jonathan Soper, Colin McClain, and Chelsea Pierce-McClain of Humphrey, Farrington & McClain have secured a significant legal victory for their client, Kacey Crum, in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri at Independence. On November 13, 2024, a jury awarded Ms. Crum $472,467, which includes $72,467 in back pay and $400,000 in future economic damages. This amount does not include attorney fees, which will be determined by the Court.
The lawsuit filed on behalf of Ms. Crum detailed the gender discrimination, retaliation, and unfair treatment she experienced while serving as an elementary school principal in the Blue Springs R-IV School District. Ms. Crum, who dedicated 18 years to the district, was initially passed over for a promotion in favor of a less qualified man. When she was promoted, she was paid less than male principals, despite being asked to pick up the slack for her underperforming male colleague. The case highlighted the district’s systemic bias, including the implementation of a burdensome co-principal leadership structure that placed disproportionate responsibilities on Ms. Crum without equitable support or remuneration.
“This verdict is a powerful affirmation of Ms. Crum’s courage in standing up against discriminatory practices,” said lead attorney Jonathan Soper. “Our client demonstrated extraordinary resilience, and we are grateful the jury recognized the injustice she faced.”
The case underscored multiple instances of gender-based wage disparity and institutional retaliation, culminating in Ms. Crum’s constructive discharge in 2022. Despite being a committed educator and leader, Ms. Crum’s efforts to address the inequitable treatment within the district were met with resistance and further discrimination.
“We are hopeful that this outcome not only brings justice to Ms. Crum but also signals to other local employers the critical importance of fair treatment in the workplace,” said attorney Colin McClain.
About Humphrey, Farrington & McClain, P.C.
Humphrey, Farrington & McClain, P.C., based in Independence, Missouri, has a long-standing reputation for successfully representing clients in a range of complex civil litigation matters, including workplace discrimination, personal injury, and products liability.
