By Justin Betti
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – The Fargo Park District has filed an answer to a complaint in a federal lawsuit filed by its former executive director.
Dave Leker was fired in 2023, following a four-month performance improvement plan, and filed a lawsuit in March of 2025 claiming he was subjected to age-based discrimination, retaliation, a hostile work environment, targeted harassment, public humiliation and ultimately wrongful termination.
In their ten-page legal answer to the complaint, the Park District goes almost line-for-line, denying the allegations. Among their points, they say Leker was subject to a Professional Development Focus on Jan. 1, 2022, following a 2021 Performance Review.
They also say the person who was eventually appointed as Executive Director after him was also over age 40.
They’re asking for the lawsuit to be dismissed. Valley News Live will keep you updated as the case develops.
