State of Iowa settles discrimination suit with former director of Division of Criminal Investigation

Hunter
09/03/26

The State of Iowa Appeals Board has approved a settlement between the state and the former Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, who claimed she faced gender-based discrimination while working for the state’s Department of Public Safety.

The Gazette reports Chris Paulson will receive a settlement of $287,500.

Allegations in Paulson’s suit include retaliation for reporting illegal budgeting practices in the Department of Public Safety; being excluded from emails, meetings and decisions; and being the only director in the agency not assigned a private office and parking space.

Paulson retired in 2024.

Other terms of the settlement include the state not admitting any wrongdoing, and Paulson’s charges were dismissed.