- The Boston Police Department has agreed to a $2.4 million settlement with Beth Donovan, a female police official who accused the department of sex discrimination.
- Donovan was the first woman to be promoted to the rank of deputy superintendent in the police department's field service bureau, but was demoted to sergeant in September 2018 after filing a complaint.
- She was placed on administrative and medical leave for injuries resulting from discriminatory and retaliatory treatment.
Boston has reached a $2.4 million settlement with a senior female police officer who accused her of gender discrimination, the city's attorney announced Wednesday.
Beth Donovan, the first woman to be promoted to deputy superintendent in the police department's Field Service Bureau, was demoted from deputy superintendent to sergeant in September 2018. Her demotion came after she filed a complaint. Her attorney, Nick Carter, said she remains on administrative and medical leave due to injuries sustained as a result of discriminatory and retaliatory treatment.
“Beth Donovan fought this investigation solely to demand fair treatment as a female leader in the Boston Police Department,” Carter said in a statement. I hope this will help the women who will come after me.” “Thanks to Ms. Donovan’s case and the other women who have recently won discrimination lawsuits, we hope that borderline personality disorder will begin to change and that women will no longer be punished for demanding fair and equal treatment.”
Boston mayor responds to lawmakers' efforts to cut police budgets and veterans' activities
Mr Carter acknowledged that a formal draft agreement was still being developed. The city did not respond to a request for comment, but told The Boston Globe it would not comment until the settlement document is signed.
Boston Police Sergeant Beth Donovan and city officials participate in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 20, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Police Department has reached a $2.4 million settlement with Donovan, who accused the department of sex discrimination. (Paul Marotta/Getty Images)
Donavan's troubles began in 2017 when she launched an internal affairs investigation into fellow police officers and neighbors over a graduation party, the Globe reported, citing court records. Ms. Donavan accused her officers of throwing beer cans at her and using profanity at her several times during the party.
Boston Police identify suspect in shooting; officer “no respect for life''
The investigation led to retaliation, including spreading rumors that Donavan had a drinking problem and stripping him of some of his duties as deputy superintendent, according to court records.
