Judge Dismissed Wilkerson Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
A Washtenaw County judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by Don Wilkerson against his former employer, Rehmann Group, LLC.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Financial Crime
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In late August 2026, a Washtenaw County judge dismissed a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by Don Wilkerson against Rehmann Group, LLC. Wilkerson, a former Ann Arbor Public Schools board member, had sued the firm after his April 2026 firing.
Why it matters
Wilkerson alleged his firing violated the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, while Rehmann Group, LLC maintained the termination resulted from performance issues. The dismissal allows the potential for the case to be refiled later.
Judge Patrick Conlin dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice in late August 2026 following a motion filed by the firm on August 14. This procedural status allows Wilkerson the option to refile the claim in the future.
The players
Don Wilkerson
He is a former Ann Arbor Public Schools board treasurer who is currently competing in the November 2026 school board election.
Rehmann Group, LLC
This professional services firm employed Wilkerson as a risk advisory services director before terminating his employment.
Patrick Conlin
He is the Washtenaw County judge who presided over the lawsuit and issued the dismissal order.
Kevin Hudson
He is a candidate for the school board seat that Wilkerson is seeking in the upcoming November 2026 election.
John Benson
He is a candidate for the school board seat that Wilkerson is seeking in the upcoming November 2026 election.
The details
Don Wilkerson sued his former employer after being fired on April 14, 2026, claiming the firm violated state law by terminating him following a misdemeanor domestic violence charge that was later dropped. Rehmann Group, LLC contended the dismissal was justified due to a documented history of missed internal deadlines and poor performance.
Timeline
March 2026: Don Wilkerson was arrested for a domestic violence misdemeanor.
April 14, 2026: Rehmann Group, LLC fired Don Wilkerson from his director position.
Early May 2026: Don Wilkerson resigned from the Ann Arbor school board.
June 1, 2026: The criminal charge against Don Wilkerson was dropped.
Late August 2026: Judge Patrick Conlin dismissed the wrongful termination lawsuit.
Legal Context
The lawsuit centered on the interpretation of Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act in an employment termination dispute. This dismissal highlights the ongoing legal friction between at-will employment performance standards and protections under the act.
The court's decision concludes this specific legal chapter for now, but Wilkerson remains on the ballot for the November 2026 election. Residents will decide his future involvement with Ann Arbor Public Schools at the polls.
The takeaway
While the court case is currently dismissed, the dispute underscores the complexities of employment law regarding misdemeanor charges and workplace performance. Voters will weigh these events as they head to the polls for the upcoming school board race.
What happens next
Don Wilkerson is scheduled to compete against Kevin Hudson and John Benson in the school board election on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local legal proceedings, visit the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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