The agreement calls for the police department to train staff about religious discrimination and anti-retaliation within 90 days. Drake is to receive $7,636 in back wages.
“In entering into the agreement, the City of Lebanon does not admit to any violation of law or regulations,” according to a resolution that allows the city manager to sign the agreement.
Law Director Mark Yurick said Drake, a Mexican Christian, claimed a supervisor made a discriminatory biblical reference and that he was unfairly removed from the county’s SWAT team in 2015.
Drake said the EEOC rejected racial and religious discrimination aspects of the complaint, but found retaliation occurred. He said the complaint stems from his treatment by Police Chief Jeff Mitchell.
Drake has returned to the SWAT team and continues to patrol Lebanon streets.
Yurick said he is recommending the settlement to avoid the costs of litigating the complaint.
The agreement was part of a packet prepared for council in anticipation of Tuesday’s work session.
The council is expected to discuss it in executive session and vote at a later meeting.
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