Former Anchorage employee who recorded Judy Eledges’ racist comments sues city for discrimination

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A small group from Anchorage Assembly and the media gather for a press conference in front of Anchorage City Hall on April 19, 2023. (Jeremy Hsieh/Alaska Public Media)

Another former Anchorage city worker is suing the city over workplace discrimination issues.

Former executive assistant Benedicte Galligan filed a lawsuit in Anchorage Superior Court on Tuesday that alleges fire chiefs and outgoing library assistant director Judy Eledge discriminated against women and retaliated against her for reporting discrimination. In the meantime, she claims, her formal workplace complaints have been buried.

According to her court filing, Galligan worked for the chief of the Anchorage Fire Department for 10 years, but was fired in January 2022. She claims the firing was a pretense and that she was targeted because she is a woman.

After the layoff, Galligan was transferred to a lower-paying position as Eledge’s assistant. Galligan recorded Eledge making numerous racist comments highlighted in reporting last month by Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica.

Galligans’ filing says working for the city contributed to a variety of health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and even cancer.

She says she was forced to resign from her post in March.

Through her lawsuit, Galligan wants to be compensated for lost wages, benefits and earning capacity, among other damages, but does not set a specific dollar amount.

Jeremy Hsieh has worked in journalism since high school as a journalist, editor and television producer. He lived in Juneau from 2008 to 2022 and now lives in Anchorage.

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