The Princeton Borough Police Department is facing a sex discrimination suit filed by a former Borough officer earlier this month, Capt. Charles Davall said Friday.
Karen Wenger of Burlington Township filed her lawsuit against Princeton Borough, Borough Police Chief Thomas Michaud and Davall. She claimed that she was terminated from the police force without due process, in violation of her civil rights, Davall said.
Wenger, reached at her home Friday, declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Davall denied that Wenger's dismissal was in any way connected to her gender. He said she was dismissed because she was not qualified to be a Borough Police officer. "We have two female officers, and we're a small department," he said. "We're always on the lookout for other qualified female officers."
According to Davall, Wenger was hired in August 1999 and fired in July while she was still in a one-year probationary period.
Davall said all police officers are hired on a trial basis for the first year. At the end of this period, police authorities then decide whether the newly hired officer will be given a permanent position at the department.
State and municipal ordinances specifically permit such a probationary period, according to Davall.
Once an officer is no longer on probation, he or she cannot be removed from the force without an extensive review process, according to Davall. But during the one-year probation, an officer can be dismissed with minimal notice.
Wenger was made aware of problems with her performance months before she was actually dismissed, Davall said. Michaud met with Wenger personally and discussed her work.
Nevertheless, Wenger is seeking to be rehired and reimbursed for any income lost as a result of her dismissal.
Read More
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reflects on path to the Supreme Court in campus lecture
Isaac Bernstein and Justus WilhoitAt Princeton’s Harlan Lecture, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her journey to the Supreme Court, the power of dissenting opinions, and the importance of inspiring future generations.
At Princeton’s Harlan Lecture, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her journey to the Supreme Court, the power of dissenting opinions, and the importance of inspiring future generations.
Student employment in flux as University navigates budget cuts
Kian PetlinThe future of student employment remains uncertain amid budget cuts, with impacts ranging from reduced hours to staffing shortages.
The future of student employment remains uncertain amid budget cuts, with impacts ranging from reduced hours to staffing shortages.
Five percent of Class of 2029 identify as Black or African-American, lowest since 1968
Sena ChangIn the Class of 2029, 5 percent of students identified as Black or African American — the lowest share in many years, compared to the roughly seven to nine percent range in the past two decades.
In the Class of 2029, 5 percent of students identified as Black or African American — the lowest share in many years, compared to the roughly seven to nine percent range in the past two decades.