Former Glasgow Police Chief, Jennifer Arbogast, has taken legal action against the city of Glasgow, asserting claims of gender discrimination during her tenure with the police department.
As per court documents, Arbogast, who commenced her service as a police officer on September 27, 2002, and assumed the role of chief in July 2019, filed the lawsuit on March 29.
Despite her commendable performance, Arbogast contends she encountered persistent gender-based remarks and discriminatory treatment throughout her time with the department.
The file also states that around July of 2022, Arbogast engaged in, “both verbal and written complaints,” to the city’s former and current Human Resources Managers, regarding the discrimination allegations.
Court filings also contain two affidavits from a former GPD officer Howard Garrison and from former city councilwoman Sheri Eubank. Eubank stated that she was with Arbogast when she received a call, which Arbogast put on speaker, from Mayor Henry Royse terminating Arbogast.
The documents also state that Arbogast declined to sign a “Verified Resignation and Statement of Election to Retire” instead, she prepared a statement of her own announcing her retirement.
Arbogast made the decision to retire in April 2023, citing unfortunate circumstances that compelled her to do so. Within the submitted letter she voiced concerns regarding potential repercussions if she continued in her position within the department.
“Arbogast demonstrated exceptional leadership during her tenure as Police Chief, notwithstanding the regular occurrence of gender-based comments,” as asserted in the affidavit submitted by Eubank.
The lawsuit identifies four city personnel, including three police officers, who purportedly made derogatory remarks about Arbogast during her tenure as chief.
One individual allegedly remarked, “This position [Police Chief] is traditionally held by males. A female shouldn’t hold the position of Police Chief.”
Another individual purportedly expressed doubt about Arbogast’s ability to fulfill the duties of police chief, while yet another indicated a reluctance to work under or take directives from a female authority figure.
The city has made no formal comment on the matter, as per policy in all ongoing litigations.