Police Gender Discrimination

Phoenix, AZ: (Mar-24-08) Avelina Fitzpatrick, a female police officer, brought charges against the city of Goodyear, alleging that she was discriminated against on the basis of her gender. Fitzpatrick filed a lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court in September 2007, claiming that she was arbitrarily removed from a field training officer assignment without a supervisor addressing any problems she may have had. Court records show that the suit was later moved to federal court at Goodyear's request. Police sources stated that acting Chief Ralph McLaughlin denied the department had discriminated against Fitzpatrick, and that her removal was based on performance. The department also stated that the investigations by the Arizona Attorney General's Office and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission did not substantiate Fitzpatrick's claims.

Sources stated that the two sides had reached a settlement in the case, in which the city of Goodyear will pay Fitzpatrick $25,000 to resolve her gender-discrimination lawsuit. Under the terms of the deal, Goodyear would provide only her rank, salary and dates of employment to prospective employers, and halt a misconduct investigation against her. In exchange, Fitzpatrick agreed to withdraw a discrimination complaint filed with the state Attorney General's Office. She further agreed to resign as an officer and agreed to be barred from future employment with the city. [THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC: GOODYEAR COUNCIL EXPECTED TO OK SETTLEMENT OF DISCRIMINATION SUIT]

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Published on Mar-26-08