A former police chief is taking legal action against a city, alleging wrongful termination due to racial and age discrimination. On November 12, 2025, Ryan Schrand filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against the City of North College Hill. The lawsuit accuses the city of discriminatory practices leading to his dismissal.
Ryan Schrand, who served as Police Chief since September 2015, claims he was unjustly placed on administrative leave in March 2024 by Mayor Tracie Nichols and later terminated in May 2025. Schrand alleges that his dismissal was racially motivated, citing Title VII violations, as he is Caucasian and over 40 years old. “The articulated reason for the termination was based upon an alleged ‘lack of confidence in [Ryan’s] ability to effectively lead the department,'” states the complaint, labeling this reason as false.
Schrand’s complaint further details that no credible evidence justified his administrative leave following an investigation led by Nichols and City Manager Arious DukesDean. Despite being informed of Schrand’s legal representation in April 2024, the city proceeded with actions that Schrand believes were retaliatory for consulting with counsel about employment issues. This forms part of his claim under Ohio’s public policy protecting employees from such retaliation.
In seeking justice, Schrand requests reinstatement or appropriate compensation if reinstatement isn’t feasible. He demands compensatory and punitive damages under Title VII and ADEA statutes for race and age discrimination. Additionally, he seeks declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, reasonable attorney fees, front pay, back pay awards, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Ryan Schrand is attorney Mark J. Byrne from Jacobs Kleinman Seibel & McNally LPA. The case is presided over by Judge Susan J. Dlott under Case ID: 1:25-cv-00824-SJD.
Source: 125cv00824_Schrand_v_City_of_North_College_Hill_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf
