FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) – The former executive director of the Fargo Park District has filed a federal lawsuit, claiming board members created a hostile work environment and discriminated against him because of his age.
Dave Leker is suing the Park District for age discrimination, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to the complaint, Leker received no significant disciplinary actions before he was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan in late 2022. The lawsuit says as tensions with the park board escalated, he discussed the possibility of early retirement with the board, and the board used that information as “a pretext to accelerate his removal.”
“The public spectacle of Plaintiff’s termination was designed to destroy his professional credibility, ensuring that his reputation would be permanently damaged,” the complaint says. “Despite his successful leadership, Plaintiff was repeatedly subjected to belittling and demeaning treatment by Board members. They openly questioned his leadership, spread damaging rumors, and made false accusations about his work ethic, creating a hostile work environment.”
The lawsuit also says board members referred to Leker’s Fargo apartment as a “flop house” and pressured him to sell his West Fargo home, “despite his full compliance with the residency policy.”
Leker is 59. He worked for the Fargo Park District for 22 years and served as Executive Director from approximately July 2019 until June 30, 2023.
The Fargo Park District said in a written statement:
“We are aware that a former executive director has initiated legal proceedings against the Fargo Park District. At this time, the Park District has not received a copy of the complaint filed. We will be addressing this matter in full compliance with our internal policies and legal obligations. Out of respect for the process and all parties involved, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”
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