Cherokee Employees Claim Political Retaliation In Termination Lawsuit

The Cherokee Nation is also facing a legal battle being waged by four former employees. They're claiming they were fired by Chief Bill John Baker because they supported the former chief during last summer's elections.

Four women claim they are being retaliated against because of their political opinions. They're asking for $1.2 million from the tribe and want other Cherokee employees to feel safe no matter who they support for chief.

Read the lawsuit

Wednesday night October 19th, Bill John Baker is sworn in as the new principal chief for the Cherokee Nation. He had just beat out incumbent Chad Smith in a long and controversial election.

The next day became known as Bloody Thursday. Ten Cherokee Nation employees were placed on administrative leave by Baker and escorted out of the building by Cherokee Nation marshals.

10/21/2012 Related Story: Cherokee Nation's New Leader Shaking Things Up In Tahlequah

"It's an act of retaliation because I supported his opponent in the election," said former employee Paula Ragsdale. "I am convinced of that."

Paula Ragsdale and Sammye Rusco are two of a group of four former employees who are suing the tribe. They say Chief Baker targeted them because they all supported or campaigned for Chad Smith during the election.

The day after they were let go Chief Baker told News On 6 that he was simply reorganizing the tribe.

"Other people have to go or they shift to a different position and we're looking at that as well. We've asked people to put resumes together and we'll put people where they'll be best for the Cherokee Nation," Baker said in October.

"I believe that we were let go for political reasons, for political prejudice," Rusco said.

Rusco says on January 6, 2012, two and-a-half months after being placed on leave, the former employees all received certified letters saying they were officially let go from the Cherokee Nation.

They say Chief Baker violated their right to due process as well as the tribe's anti-discrimination policy.

"I think it makes for a weak leadership...leading by fear and intimidation is not a way to lead a people and it's sad, it's wrong, and it shouldn't stand," Ragsdale said.

The Cherokee nation would not comment on the lawsuit, but a spokeswoman wanted to emphasize that the employees were not fired but let go while the tribe was being reorganized.

Former Chief Chad Smith is representing the former employees during the lawsuit.