A jury awarded $2 million to Boston Police Department (BPD) detective, Donna Gavin, after finding that she had been subjected to glass ceiling discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The verdict arrived earlier this month after nearly three and a half years of litigation related to her lawsuit. This case serves as an important reminder about the stubborn persistence of the glass ceiling in many fields, from Fortune 500 companies to law enforcement agencies.
The facts in Gavin’s case are similar to those in many glass ceiling discrimination claims, in which women (or other protected classes) are denied promotions and other career opportunities afforded to male colleagues. In her trial, evidence emerged that the BPD had engaged in a campaign to undermine her authority and upend Gavin’s career. The BPD also denied her a private office, which male detectives were permitted to have, and had assembled an inaccurate paper trail of Gavin’s alleged missteps to use against her. The BPD denied Gavin’s allegations.
One notable aspect of the case involved the BPD’s argument that Gavin’s case should be dismissed because she did not experience any conduct harsh enough to constitute an “adverse employment action.” This is a common defense in employment discrimination and retaliation cases, but the judge in Gavin’s case rejected it and allowed her claims to be heard by a jury.
Ultimately, the jury sided with Gavin and awarded her $1 million for the emotional distress she experienced,...
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