Former Deputy County Clerk Desiree Thompson addressed the Pottawatomie County Commission Monday regarding negative experiences while employed in the County Clerk’s office during and after her pregnancy.
Thompson presented each commissioner documenting incidents where she says she was made to feel her pregnancy, maternity leave and her decision to breastfeed her son were inconveniences to County Clerk Dawn Henry and staff.
Thompson stated that her yearly review says she was a “dependable employee whose office has important dates,” noting that within her second year, she missed an election and levies process.
Thompson claims the current county employee policy for breastfeeding mothers is out of date due to the federal PUMP Act, signed into law by President Biden, which states employees can’t be retaliated against for doing so.
Thompson says she is not pursuing legal action against Pottawatomie County, but wanted to make commissioners aware of her experience.
KMAN has reached out to County Clerk Dawn Henry for comment, but she has not responded to our request.
