A female police officer is suing the Chicago Police Department, alleging it allowed her to be harassed by co-workers on the basis of her sexual orientation.
Jennifer O’Shaughnessy filed a discrimination suit Aug. 28 in Cook County Circuit Court against the Chicago Police Department, alleging discrimination.
O’Shaughnessy, a lesbian, was hired as a police officer by the defendant in 2001. According to the complaint, she was subjected to unwanted sexual comments and touching by another officer beginning in July 2013. She reported these incidents to her supervisor who failed to take action, the suit says.
The suit also alleges, that in retaliation for her complaints, the department failed to move O’Shaughnessy, who is older than 40, to another team and would not adjust her work schedule around her college courses, accommodations she says were made for younger workers.
O’Shaughnessy seeks damages of more than $50,000. She is represented by attorney Julie E. Diemer of the Law Office of Julie E. DIemer in Berwyn.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015-L-008824.