ANN ARBOR — Don Wilkerson, who stepped down from the Ann Arbor Public Schools board in early May, has filed an employment discrimination lawsuit against his former employer as he moves to regain a seat on the school board this fall.
Legal action follows resignation and dismissed charge
On June 26, Wilkerson filed a claim in Washtenaw County Circuit Court naming Rehmann Group LLC, where he had worked as a director in risk advisory services. Court documents allege the firm terminated his employment on April 14 after becoming aware of a domestic violence misdemeanor arrest from late March — a charge that was later dismissed on June 1.
Wilkerson resigned from his elected role as board treasurer while the criminal matter was pending, citing "personal reasons" at the time. He refiled to run in the November school board election for a partial term and publicly addressed the incident this week.
“This was an escalation of a divorce case I began over a year and a half ago. It’s truly unfortunate how much damage has already been caused from a baseless claim,” Wilkerson said July 8.
Claim rests on state civil rights protections and company policy
The lawsuit argues Rehmann violated the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which, as Wilkerson’s attorneys contend, bars employers from taking adverse employment actions based solely on a misdemeanor arrest without a conviction. His attorney, Noah Hurwitz, said the company should have been aware of state and local law and that Rehmann’s actions also ran counter to its internal policies.
- Key dates: Arrest in late March; employer termination April 14; charge dismissed June 1; lawsuit filed June 26; public comment July 8.
- Position held: Ann Arbor Public Schools board treasurer (resigned in early May).
- Employer: Rehmann Group LLC (defendant in county court).
Victoria Burton-Harris, chief assistant prosecutor for Washtenaw County, confirmed the misdemeanor was dismissed but did not provide details on the reason for dismissal when asked.
Local implications for the school board and voters
Wilkerson’s bid to return to the board comes at a moment when community trust and transparency are often central issues in local elections. Ann Arbor voters will have the opportunity this November to weigh whether they want Wilkerson back on the board for the partial term he seeks. The lawsuit, now part of the public record, may shape how candidates and community members discuss standards for board service and the relationship between personal legal matters and public roles.
The case also underscores how employment law intersects with local civic leadership. If the court finds in Wilkerson’s favor, it could highlight employer responsibilities under Michigan law when handling arrests that do not lead to convictions. The timeline and public filings will likely be reviewed by voters and other candidates in the coming months as campaigns intensify.
Further proceedings in Washtenaw County Circuit Court will determine the legal outcome. Meanwhile, the school district continues to prepare for the November partial-term election in which Wilkerson seeks to regain his seat.
