Police Department's Proffered Reason For Terminating Black Lesbian Officer Was Not Pretextual
This case involves a number of discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation claims brought by Tammy Walker, a black, lesbian former sergeant in the Holyoke Police Department.
Granting summary judgment for the City, the United States District Court found
that poor job
performance, proffered by the police department as a reason for Walker’s
numerous suspensions and termination, was not pretext to cover up the
department's real motive of race, gender, and/or sexual orientation in violation
of Title VII. Moreover, the department's proffered reason was not pretext for
retaliation for Walker’s protected activities.
Walker v. City of
Holyoke