The City of Eugene has reached a settlement with former Office of Equity & Community Engagement analyst Drae Charles, paying a total of $67,500 to resolve his federal employment discrimination lawsuit.
Settlement details
According to the settlement agreement obtained by Lookout Eugene‑Springfield through a public‑records request, the city will pay Charles $5,418 for lost wages, $16,256 for noneconomic losses, and $45,824 for attorney’s fees and costs. The agreement, dated August 3, was signed after Charles sued the city in March 2025, alleging race‑ and color‑based discrimination and retaliation following his termination in 2024.
Background on the case
Charles began working for the city in 2022 as a management analyst and human‑rights and equity analyst. He sought a jury trial and compensation for both economic and noneconomic damages, as well as attorney fees. The city’s 2026 salary schedule shows management analysts now earn between $89,814.40 and $116,729.60 annually.
Terms of the agreement
In exchange for the settlement, Charles agreed to release the city and its employees from any and all claims, known or unknown. The settlement expressly states it is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by either party, and the city continues to deny any wrongful acts.
The city also agreed not to disclose to prospective employers that Charles was “terminated, discharged for cause, or ineligible for rehire,” unless required by law. If future employers request additional information, the city will provide only dates of employment, positions held, and salary information, and will give Charles contemporaneous notice of any such disclosures.
City response
A city spokesperson confirmed the settlement but declined to comment on the specific terms. Charles declined to comment when contacted via email.
This settlement resolves a contentious dispute while allowing the city to move forward with its equity initiatives without admitting fault.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
