The Kalamazoo City Commission has approved a $37,500 settlement with an African-American Department of Public Safety officer who claimed she was passed over for promotions that went to white male co-workers who were less qualified.

The commission approved the settlement with Lt. Stacey Randolph Monday night by a 6-1 vote.

Randolph's federal lawsuit named the city of Kalamazoo, Chief Jeff Hadley and Deputy Chief Samuel Harris as defendants. Randolph filed a complaint in 2009 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging discrimination after she was passed over for a promotion.

Commissioner Barbara Miller cast the lone dissenting vote. She tells MLive.com Hadley promoted Randolph "twice and he was accused of being a racist and he was not."

Commissioner Stephanie Bell says all employees should be "treated fairly and equally."