Gay Police Officer Suing San Francisco For Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
August 21, 2018Brendan Mannix, a San Francisco police officer, is claiming he’s faced more than a year of harassment and bullying from his colleagues and superiors, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.
The 28-year-old filed a lawsuit against the city last Thursday, accusing several officers of sexual harassment, sexual discrimination based on his sexual orientation, and retaliation.
His attorney Lawrence Organ wrote that Mannix’s issues began when he transferred from Richmong Station to Central Station.
“Mr. Mannix quickly noticed the “Old Boys’ Club” atmosphere of the station… Anyone who did not fit a precise mould — broadly speaking, straight, cisgender, white and male — was targeted for mistreatment; those who complained about it were treated even worse.”
Mannix claims he faced verbal bullying from other offices about his appearance and weight. They would accuse him of being in a sexual relationship with another gay man at the station, and they would single him out anytime Mannix did something the other officers perceived as stereotypically gay.
Mannix took up his complaints with his sergeant who was reportedly dismissive and omitted many of his claims in a final report he closed not long after.
The Police Department has since released a statement: “The San Francisco Police Department is committed to diversity, tolerance and respect for the public and all of our members. Department members are sworn to hold each other accountable and required to act swiftly to report any misconduct.”
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