Former Veterans Commission ombudsman Pat Rowe-Kerr has sued the commission and its director, Larry Kay.
Kerr's lawsuit accuses the commission and Kay of sexual harassment, sex and age discrimination, providing a "hostile work environment," retaliation and acting in violation of public policy by converting state property to Kay's personal use (distributing flags flown over the Missouri National Guard camp in Kosovo to different recipients than those for whom they initially were intended).
The suit noted Kerr worked for the commission from July 1, 2004, until she was dismissed on Nov. 10, 2009.
In a Nov. 18, 2009, News Tribune story, Kay said Rowe-Kerr lost her job because state revenues were down and, with the commission getting about 30 percent of its budget from general revenue, commissioners voted to cut three central office positions, including Rowe-Kerr's "senior outreach adviser" spot.