An NYPD chief faces a lawsuit for allegedly retaliating against Lt. Mariela Matos-Leo after she declined to participate in a 'best dressed' contest at a holiday party. Commander Ruel Stephenson reportedly pressured her to attend, leading to him berating her and calling her incompetent once she didn’t show. Matos-Leo’s lawyer argues that women officers should be evaluated on job performance, not coerced into attending events that promote inappropriate standards. This isn't her first lawsuit; she previously alleged retaliation after filing a complaint against a fellow officer, which was settled. The city plans to review the litigation.
Women in the NYPD should be judged solely on their job performance, not on their willingness to participate in a culture that pressures them to dress provocatively at department events.
No officer should be subjected to sexual harassment or forced to choose between their dignity and their career advancement, emphasizing the need for a supportive work environment free from such pressures.
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