Shawna Davis, a former police officer, has filed a lawsuit against the Hampshire Police Department and its Chief, Douglas Pann, alleging systemic discrimination and retaliation that culminated in her wrongful termination. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 21, 2025. Davis accuses the department of violating federal and state laws by discriminating against her based on her gender and sexual orientation.
Davis's legal battle began after she reported discriminatory practices within the Hampshire Police Department (HPD). She claims that despite being a top candidate for promotion to Sergeant, she was passed over in favor of a less qualified male colleague, Cody Grindley. According to Davis, this decision was influenced by her being one of only two female officers and the only openly lesbian officer at HPD. Her complaints about harassment and unfair treatment were met with indifference or hostility from HPD leadership, including Chief Pann.
The lawsuit details numerous instances where Davis faced unequal treatment compared to her male counterparts. She recounts how minor infractions were exaggerated to justify disciplinary actions against her while similar or more severe violations by male officers went unpunished. For example, Davis was reprimanded for arriving three minutes late due to illness and inclement weather conditions—a leniency not extended to male officers who were tardy more frequently without consequence.
In addition to these grievances, Davis highlights a hostile work environment fostered by sexist remarks from male colleagues and dismissive responses from superiors when such behavior was reported. Despite raising concerns about offensive language and derogatory comments directed at women within the department, no corrective measures were taken.
The escalation of retaliatory actions following Davis's filing of an EEOC charge further underscores her allegations. After participating in an unsuccessful mediation session with an EEOC mediator in July 2023, Davis experienced intensified scrutiny of her performance and fabricated complaints designed to undermine her credibility. This culminated in an invasive internal investigation prompted by unsubstantiated sexual harassment allegations made by Officer Carly Mayer—allegations which Davis argues were used as pretextual grounds for her eventual termination on January 19, 2024.
Through this lawsuit, Shawna Davis seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress and reputational harm caused by HPD's conduct. She also requests reinstatement or front pay if reinstatement is deemed impractical. Additionally, she demands punitive damages against Chief Pann individually along with reasonable attorneys' fees incurred during litigation proceedings.
Representing Shawna Davis is attorney Gianna Scatchell Basile from GB Law located in Chicago. The case has been assigned Case No: 3:25-cv-50031 under Judge jurisdiction at the Northern District Court of Illinois.