Community Corner
Female Peninsula Deputy Files Sex Discrimination Lawsuit: Report
The lawsuit includes allegations that Carryn Barker was sexually assaulted, the report said.
SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A female San Mateo County Sheriff’s deputy has filed a sex discrimination lawsuit against the law enforcement agency that includes allegations that she was sexually assaulted, The Mercury News reports.
Carryn Barker filed the lawsuit Nov. 9, according to the report.
It alleges the agency fosters an environment in which men openly engage in sexist behavior without consequences, and that the behavior is encouraged by the agency’s predominantly male senior leaders, according to the report.
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Barker’s lawsuit alleges that she’s been subjected to discrimination and harassment despite being a decorated detective and the agency’s only female SWAT team member.
The lawsuit alleges a supervisor in 2021 wrestled her to the ground and fondled her in an incident her colleagues witnessed, the report said.
Find out what's happening in San Mateofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
An attorney representing Barker told The Mercury News that the lawsuit aims to effect change.
The Sheriff’s Office told the news outlet that Barker’s allegations are being investigated internally.
Read more in The Mercury News
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