Kent Davis, who led the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs as its commissioner until being removed last year by Gov. Kay Ivey, has filed a federal lawsuit against the governor, claiming his termination amounted to violations of his constitutional rights.
“Ivey’s conduct in terminating Davis was contrary to law and beyond any discretionary authority vested in her as governor and violated Davis’ clearly established rights afforded to him by the United States Constitution and Alabama law,” the lawsuit reads, filed in federal court on Wednesday.
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The lawsuit, filed against Ivey in both her official and personal capacities, claims that Davis’ termination constituted a violation of his constitutional rights under the First and Fourteenth amendments, as well as state ethics law pertaining to whistleblowers. The relief sought as outlined in the lawsuit includes either reinstatement or front pay, back pay, and both punitive and “mental anguish” damages.
Ivey spokesperson Gina Maiola indicated that the governor was not concerned about the lawsuit.
“We are extremely confident that Gov. Ivey’s necessary actions will stand any court test there may be,” Maiola told ADN Wednesday.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Alexander Willis and originally published by Alabama Daily News. Alabama Daily News’ Mary Sell contributed to this report.
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