New Jersey Lesbian Cop Alleges Her Unit Wouldn’t Provide Backup
The officer claims that there were a number of instances of harassment and discrimination during her years in her department.
A New Jersey lesbian police officer is suing her department and borough for discrimination and harassment.
Nicole DeBiase, who has served in the Somerville police department since 2015, filed the suit in Somerset County Superior Court on Monday, according to NJ.com.
She’s alleged in the lawsuit sex discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, disability discrimination, hostile work environment and retaliation, according to Patch.
In the suit, DeBiase claims the discrimination and harassment go back to 2019. The suit alleges that one colleague rubbed up against her and tried to massage her. The same officer recently hugged her without her consent even after she told him not to.
She says there are other episodes of harassment throughout the years.
DeBiase alleges that in one incident, other officers were watching television and asked her if she would have sex with the women on the screen, NJ.com reports.
“These conversations were conducted openly in the workplace and made [DeBaise] uncomfortable,” the lawsuit states, according to Patch.
Colleagues also derided an LGBTQ+ event in a group text and used the word “gay” derogatorily, the suit alleges.
In 2023, she wasn’t allowed to attend an LGBTQ+ event even though she worked as a community officer and had gone to other similar but not LGBTQ-specific events, the suit says.
The officer alleges that her colleagues, including her supervisors, didn’t respond to her requests for backup during dangerous situations and gave her male colleagues more opportunities to make money. The suit also claims that the department allowed male officers reprieve from certain duties after injuries, but did not allow DeBiase any after shoulder surgery.
DeBiase is seeking damages and attorney’s fees.
