You have rights in the workplace. Regardless of what industry you work in, you are protected from discrimination and harassment. However, if you need a Los Angeles workplace discrimination attorney, we are here to help. At Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers, our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to take your case. We will investigate what happened and work to secure the compensation you deserve. Today, we want to talk about a discrimination case against the Beverly Hills Police Department and their police chief.
What Is Happening In Beverly Hills
We have learned that a Los Angeles jury upheld allegations of retaliation or workplace harassment against Beverly Hills Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli. If this seems like déjà vu, we understand. This is just the latest in a string of lawsuits aimed at the chief from the department. This case was brought by three law enforcement officers and one civilian employee with the department. They were awarded $1.1 million after three days of jury deliberations. Spagnoli is the city’s first female police chief and took the job in 2016, but it has not been an easy road since then. Her tenure has been marked by several similar lawsuits based on repeated allegations that she has made derogatory comments about the religious, sexual orientation, and ethnicity of those who work for her.
- At least 21 current and former department employees have filed civil lawsuits against Spagnoli and the department.
In December, the city paid $2.3 million to settle the first of those claims. It was brought by retired police captain Mark Rosen who accused the chief of making anti-Semitic remarks and denying him promotion due to his religion. This latest lawsuit alleges that Chief Spagnoli reacted with disgust when she discovered that one of the plaintiffs was a lesbian. Other plaintiffs in the case say they were punished for giving depositions in favor of one of the cases brought against her. Workers in California have significant protections in place to prevent discrimination based on their:
- Race or color
- Ethnicity or nationality
- Gender or sexual identity
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy status
- Disability
- Marital status
- Religion (or lack of religion)
- Age
It is also illegal to retaliate against an employee for reporting discrimination, whether they are reporting discrimination that has happened to them or to someone else in the workplace.
What We Can Do To Help Your Case
Everyone has the right to a workplace that is free from harassment or discrimination. If you have been the victim of either, or have been retaliated against for exercising your rights, please seek legal assistance now. At Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers, our qualified and experienced team is ready to get to work investigating your case. We want to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. This can include:
- Pain and suffering damages
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reinstatement if necessary
- Compensation for any needed counseling
- Punitive damages against those responsible
If you need a Los Angeles discrimination lawyer, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 310-527-6994 for a free consultation.
Related Blogs
Discrimination and harassment in the workplace seem to be rampant in our society today. Companies are instituting measures to mitigate...
The law is a complex body of material created to promote public safety. Rules and regulations often reflect what society...
Workplace discrimination is illegal, and employers who actively discriminate against their employees could find themselves in serious legal trouble. At...