Black D.C. Policewoman Says She Was Given Ultimatum: ‘Have An Abortion Or Be Fired’
In a class-action lawsuit filed last month, a Washington D.C. assistant police chief says she was told to get an abortion in order to keep her job.
NBC News reports that Chanel Dickerson, who has been with the department since 1988, according to the department’s website was one of 10 women behind the lawsuit against the city that alleged widespread discriminiation.
“My choice to have a baby was personal, and it should’ve been mine alone and not for an employer ultimatum,” Dickerson said Tuesday (October 19) at a community meeting. “I was told I had to have an abortion or be fired from the MPD cadet program.” She said she was 18 at the time. It is unclear what happened afterward.
Dickerson and the other former and current employees of the MPD said in the lawsuit that they were discriminated against because of their race and gender. Additionally, they claim the man in charge of addressing harassment has expressed hostility toward women officers and tried to discredit those coming forward for help.
NBC News reports the Metropolitan Police Department did not respond to a request for comment but said in a previous statement that it could not comment on pending litigation but "is committed to treating all members fairly and equitably throughout our organization."
