Overview
- The civil case, filed Jan. 10–12 in Wayne County Circuit Court, alleges violations of Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and seeks compensatory and exemplary damages, lost wages, and attorney fees.
- Defendants include Jocelyn Benson, the Michigan Department of State, and senior staff members Jackie Venton, Christina Anderson, John Strodtbeck, and Brittany Edwards.
- Plaintiffs claim unequal enforcement of hiring, discipline, and state vehicle policies, reporting denied raises and promotions, loss of duties, extended performance plans, forced travel, and one termination.
- MDOS released motor-pool data showing former director Nirva Civilus used state vehicles far more than colleagues between December 2024 and September 2025, leading to an internal investigation and a referral to Attorney General Dana Nessel for possible criminal review.
- Affidavits from former officials Heaster Wheeler and Angela Harness describe a racially hostile environment and curtailed equity efforts, and the complaint includes a defamation count by Civilus against Edwards.