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Union Beach Police Officer Files Lawsuit Over Alleged Harassment After Pregnancy Announcement
Union Beach Police Officer Says She Was Harassed After She Announced Her Pregnancy
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Mackenzie Cogliano, a police officer in Union Beach, New Jersey, has filed a lawsuit claiming harassment and discrimination following her announcement of a romantic relationship with a fellow officer and her pregnancy. She alleges a hostile work environment and violations of state laws regarding discrimination and pregnancy rights.
- 01Mackenzie Cogliano has worked for the Union Beach Police Department since 2018 and became a full-time officer in 2022.
- 02Her lawsuit claims that after announcing her pregnancy and relationship, she faced a hostile work environment and inappropriate comments from colleagues.
- 03Cogliano alleges that department leadership discussed criminal prosecution regarding her relationship during a closed-door meeting that was leaked.
- 04She reported harassment to both the borough and the police union, but claims neither took effective action.
- 05Her lawsuit seeks damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages, and requests a jury trial.
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Mackenzie Cogliano, a 26-year-old police officer in Union Beach, New Jersey, has filed a lawsuit against the town and the local police union, alleging workplace discrimination and harassment following her announcement of a romantic relationship with a fellow officer and her pregnancy. Cogliano, who joined the department in 2018 and became a full-time officer in 2022, claims that after notifying her superiors of her relationship and pregnancy in April 2022, she was subjected to a hostile work environment. She alleges that a closed-door meeting discussing her situation was leaked, leading to gossip and character assassination within the department. Following this, Cogliano reported being treated poorly, reassigned to light duty, and subjected to inappropriate comments regarding her pregnancy. Despite reporting the harassment to the borough and the police union, she claims no effective action was taken. Cogliano's lawsuit cites violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and the New Jersey Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, seeking damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. She is represented by attorney William Robedee.
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The lawsuit highlights issues of workplace discrimination and harassment within the Union Beach Police Department, potentially influencing policies regarding gender and pregnancy rights in law enforcement.
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