WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today reached a settlement agreement with the City of San Antonio, Texas, resolving allegations that the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) violated the rights of a female detective because of her sex, in violation of federal employment laws.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in September 2006, alleged that the SAPD violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by reassigning a pregnant detective because of her pregnancy and regardless of her ability to perform all the requirements of her position. This lawsuit arose from a charge of discrimination referred to the Justice Department by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
“Women must be allowed to perform their jobs without being subjected to unlawful policies or practices, simply because they are pregnant,” said Wan. J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. In the settlement agreement, tendered to the federal district court for approval and entry, the City agrees to maintain non-discriminatory policies, train and educate SAPD supervisors regarding the treatment of pregnant employees, and provide monetary compensation. SAPD has already properly revised its policies and cooperated with the Department in the investigation and resolution of this case.
Title VII prohibits the discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy) or national origin. The continued enforcement of Title VII has been a priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its Web site at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/.
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