Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids, MI: (Aug-08-07) Patricia Denhof and Renee LeClear, two former Grand Rapids police officers, brought a lawsuit against the city, claiming that they lost their jobs in retaliation for filing a sexual harassment suit. Denhof and LeClear were among a group of officers who filed a sexual harassment suit in Kent County Circuit Court that was dismissed. A US District Court jury, however, awarded the two $5 million in 2004. The suit continued and US District Judge Gordon Quist overturned the verdict, but an appeals panel, by a 2-1 vote, reversed his ruling. The appeals panel, however, lowered the jury's award to $3.7 million.

The justices said the women would share $700,000 in compensatory damages, $446,000 in back pay and up to $2.54 million in future pay. The point in question has been the manner in which Chief Harry Dolan has dealt with the two officers after they filed the original lawsuit in Kent County. Dolan relieved the officers of their jobs after they were found unfit for duty by a police psychiatrist. Sources state that the officers' doctors reached contrary conclusions. The decision to award the two $3.7 million still stands, though City Manager Kurt Kimball is considering appealing to the US Supreme Court. [GRAND RAPIDS PRESS: POLICE GENDER HARASSMENT]

Legal Help

If you have a similar problem and would like to be contacted by a lawyer at no cost or obligation, please click the link below.
Published on Aug-9-07