A former employee of the National Park Service has taken legal action against a high-ranking official, alleging discrimination based on gender and age, as well as retaliation for engaging in protected activities. The complaint was filed by Heidi S. Hall in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona on February 17, 2026, naming Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Department of the Interior, as the defendant.
Heidi S. Hall, a 59-year-old resident of Coconino County, Arizona, asserts that she faced discriminatory practices during her tenure with the National Park Service (NPS). She claims that her non-selection for various positions within the agency was influenced by her gender and age. According to Hall’s complaint, despite having more experience than her male counterparts, she was consistently overlooked for promotions. For instance, she points out that in November and December 2020, she was not selected for an Assistant Special Agent in Charge position under job number IMP-10887144-20-NM despite being more qualified than those who were interviewed and eventually hired.
Hall further alleges that these discriminatory actions are part of a broader pattern within NPS where younger white males are favored over older female candidates. She highlights several instances dating back to 2012 where similar patterns were observed. In addition to gender and age discrimination claims under Title VII and the Age Discrimination Employment Act (ADEA), Hall also accuses NPS of retaliating against her due to her previous Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints.
The plaintiff seeks multiple forms of relief from the court. These include back pay with benefits reinstatement, compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by the alleged discrimination and retaliation, pre- and post-judgment interest on any awarded amounts, attorney fees and costs associated with pursuing this litigation. Additionally, Hall requests injunctive relief requiring DOI to adhere strictly to anti-discrimination laws while implementing monitoring mechanisms to prevent future occurrences.
Representing Heidi S. Hall is attorney Cheri L. McCracken from Phoenix, Arizona. The case has been assigned Case ID 3:26-cv-08027-JJT and is presided over by Judge J.T. Tuchi.
Source: 326cv08027_Hall_v_Burgum_Complaint_District_Arizona.pdf
