Jurors have awarded $850,000 to a woman who alleged she was subjected to age and sex discrimination by the Missouri Department of Transportation.
The Jefferson City News Tribune reported that jurors deliberated two hours last week before deciding in favor of Deanna McClurg. She worked for 29 years for the department. Her last 17 years were spent as a supervisor running a highway crew and facility in the town of Faucett.
As the department was shrinking because of a reduced budget, McClurg sought a promotion. She maintains five other younger male applicants, each with a disciplinary or safety violation, were chosen when she was the most qualified applicant.
Attorney Denise Drake, who represented the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, said longer service doesn't mean better.