A federal jury in San Francisco has awarded $2 million to former Oakland police officer Janeith Glenn-Davis, who claimed she was passed over for promotion because she was pregnant. The damages included $150,000 in lost earnings plus $1.85 million for emotional distress and other damages.
Glenn-Davis was the highest-ranking female police lieutenant on the Oakland police force when, in 2000, she made the list for promotion to captain. The police chief told Glenn-Davis that the next vacant captain position would be hers. But a few months later, when Glenn-Davis was pregnant, the chief announced that promotions were on hold, and a captain vacancy that did occur was left unfilled. Then, when the promotion list expired—while Glenn-Davis was on maternity leave—the chief posted and filled a captain position. The job went to a male officer who allegedly had less experience than Glenn-Davis.
Glenn-Davis charged she was the victim of pregnancy bias, while the city contended she was merely the unfortunate victim of a temporary, but legitimate, promotion freeze that was implemented for budgetary reasons. The city said it plans to appeal the verdict.
Additional Resources:
“Pregnancy Discrimination: Huge Verdict For Teacher Who Wasn’t Rehired After Principal Said She Wouldn’t Want To Work; How To Manage Pregnant Workers To Avoid Lawsuits,” in the September 2001 issue of the California Employer Advisor
“Parental Rights in the Workplace,” a California Employer Advisor Special Report