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Local trooper files discrimination suit against Maryland State Police

September 23rd, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The Cumberland Times News reports a female trooper assigned to the Cumberland state police barrack filed a lawsuit against the Maryland State Police in federal court in Baltimore alleging discrimination, retaliation and hostile work environment based on her sexual orientation and gender.
Trooper First Class Chelsea Raley, a state police employee since 2008, filed the seven-count civil action in late May, seeking a jury trial and monetary relief for alleged violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.
Raley, who was transferred to the Cumberland barrack in 2014, is the only female trooper in the Cumberland barrack, according to the 31-page court document.
According to court documents, Raley alleges that she has been the victim of discrimination, retaliation and was made to work in a hostile work environment.
The suit further alleges that “Maryland State Police management has knowledge of Raley’s treatment, and despite substantiating Raley’s claims through an Office of Fair Practices investigation, has not taken action to remedy the discrimination, retaliation or hostile work environment that Raley continues to experience.”
Raley is seeking from the court judgment in her favor and relief that includes compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees and costs and any other relief deemed just and equitable by the court. Raley began her employment in June 2008 as a civilian cadet. She entered the state police academy in February 2010 and graduated from the academy as a state trooper on July 1, 2010. Raley was promoted to the rank of trooper first class in February 2013 and served in various assignments in College Park, Rockville and Frederick before being assigned to the Cumberland barrack, according to the court papers.

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