Lansing Fire Department Lawsuit Alleges Gender Discrimination Over Bra Issue

A female firefighter with the Lansing Fire Department has filed suit against the City of Lansing and Fire Chief Brian Sturdivant alleging she was subjected to humiliating and discriminatory treatment after supervisors questioned whether she was wearing a bra at work. The suit was filed by Firefighter/Paramedic Cecilia Major in Ingham County Circuit Court on November 20, 2025.

According to news reports, the controversy began on June 17 when an assistant chief called Major into a meeting and questioned her about not “wearing a bra at all times while at work.” Major had not been previously counseled or disciplined about undergarments or uniform issues. A week later, on June 24, Chief Sturdivant reportedly convened a larger meeting that included Major, two male officers, and a union representative. During that meeting, Sturdivant allegedly asked Major if she was wearing a bra and instructed the male officers to monitor her attire going forward to ensure she complied.

Major contends that no written policy required female firefighters to wear a specific undergarment and that she was the only member singled out for such scrutiny. Her lawsuit claims the actions of command staff were “humiliating” and “demeaning” and created a hostile work environment. She further alleges that the directive to have male officers observe whether she was wearing a bra was inappropriate and retaliatory.

The lawsuit was filed under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, alleging sex discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment. Major’s attorney, Hannah Fielstra, told reporters that while employers may issue uniform standards, the alleged conduct in this case crossed a line. As quoted by the Lansing State Journal, Fielstra said Major was subjected to “treatment based on a 1950s-era outlook on how women should dress.”

The City of Lansing has not publicly released the complaint and has not responded in detail to the allegations. News reports indicate that the city confirmed receiving the lawsuit but said it does not comment on pending litigation. Chief Sturdivant has not made public statements regarding the allegations.

A copy of the complaint was not available via Lexis or from the Ingham County Circuit Court, but will be provided if it becomes available. More on the story. I was able to confirm that the case has been filed, the file number is: 25-006302-CD, and it was filed on November 20, 2025.