Lawsuit Alleges Discrimination in Nassau County Police Department
A new lawsuit claims that the Nassau County Police Department has misused its grooming policies to unfairly target minority officers, particularly those with common skin conditions that predominantly affect Black men.
Four officers—Garinsky Jean, Kenneth Herbert, Alexander Lenwart, and David Soto—allege that the department has violated its own shaving regulations, which they argue are intended to sideline officers suffering from Pseudofolliculitis barbae, a condition leading to painful razor bumps. They contend that these policies are a facade for discriminatory practices aimed at undermining minority officers.
The officers are seeking $100 million in damages and are asking the court to declare the department’s treatment as illegal. Frederick Brewington, a civil rights attorney representing the officers, stated, “Nassau County has an obligation to treat African-American officers the same way they treat other people,” emphasizing the neglect of the medical conditions impacting African Americans.
Interestingly, all four plaintiffs, three of whom are Black men and one Puerto Rican, had previously received medical exemptions from the department’s shaving requirements due to conditions that disproportionately affect those with tightly curled hair, where as many as 60% of Black men may suffer from related skin issues.
However, instead of providing accommodations, the lawsuit alleges that the department restricted their roles to desk duties, eliminated overtime opportunities, obstructed transfers, hindered promotions, and required monthly doctor’s notes to prove their medical conditions.
This case, filed in December, underscores long-standing issues within the county related to systemic discrimination against Black, Latino, and female applicants, with a history of barriers preventing these groups from joining law enforcement. In fact, the Justice Department had to intervene in the past, enforcing a federal consent order aimed at eradicating discriminatory employment practices.
Data from 2021 reveals that 6,539 Black Long Islanders attempted to join police forces across Nassau County, yet minority applicants faced disqualification rates significantly higher than their white counterparts.
The timing of the lawsuit gained attention shortly after the U.S. military announced a shaving exemption for the same condition, setting a precedent that could impact service members struggling to maintain compliance.
Moreover, the lawsuit claims that the grooming policy serves as a subtle method of discrimination, with alleged remarks made by Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder directed at Lenwart during a 2022 awards ceremony, where he reportedly laughed at Lenwart despite his medical exemption.
In response, the county attorney has denied any misconduct, asserting that actions taken against the officers were for legitimate business reasons and not based on discrimination. Meanwhile, Brewington is seeking class action status for the lawsuit to potentially include other officers affected by similar circumstances.
Mediation is scheduled for both parties on July 31st, but as of now, the Nassau County Police Department and Commissioner Ryder have not commented on the allegations.
