Boston Police Officer Fired for Alleging Hostile Work Environment Receives $1 Million Damages Award
A Suffolk County jury has awarded Enxhi Qirici, a former Boston police officer who was fired in 2019, $1 million in damages after she alleged a hostile work environment at the department. The case centered around Qirici's interracial relationship and sex life, which allegedly became a topic of discussion among colleagues.
Qirici claimed that her colleagues made lewd comments about her and speculated about whether she was pregnant, while also making racist remarks. She filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination in early March 2019, just days before being let go from her job.
The Boston Police Department maintains that Qirici's termination was due to unsatisfactory performance during her probationary period, but jurors did not find this to be the case. With interest, Qirici's total judgment now exceeds $1.5 million.
In court, the department's lawyers suggested that Qirici had lost control of her emotions in two incidents involving other law enforcement officers. However, Qirici's lawyer argued that these incidents were isolated and did not justify her termination.
The case highlights concerns about workplace harassment and diversity within law enforcement agencies. For Qirici, the outcome is a significant victory after she alleged a hostile work environment for over three years.
It remains to be seen how this ruling will impact future cases of workplace harassment in Boston's police department.
A Suffolk County jury has awarded Enxhi Qirici, a former Boston police officer who was fired in 2019, $1 million in damages after she alleged a hostile work environment at the department. The case centered around Qirici's interracial relationship and sex life, which allegedly became a topic of discussion among colleagues.
Qirici claimed that her colleagues made lewd comments about her and speculated about whether she was pregnant, while also making racist remarks. She filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination in early March 2019, just days before being let go from her job.
The Boston Police Department maintains that Qirici's termination was due to unsatisfactory performance during her probationary period, but jurors did not find this to be the case. With interest, Qirici's total judgment now exceeds $1.5 million.
In court, the department's lawyers suggested that Qirici had lost control of her emotions in two incidents involving other law enforcement officers. However, Qirici's lawyer argued that these incidents were isolated and did not justify her termination.
The case highlights concerns about workplace harassment and diversity within law enforcement agencies. For Qirici, the outcome is a significant victory after she alleged a hostile work environment for over three years.
It remains to be seen how this ruling will impact future cases of workplace harassment in Boston's police department.
, I'm so torn about this one... On one hand, I think it's awesome that Enxhi Qirici is getting some justice after dealing with all that drama at work 
. I mean, $1 million isn't chump change, right? 
But at the same time, I feel like we're still not seeing enough progress when it comes to addressing systemic issues in our institutions... Like, what's being done to ensure that workplaces are actually safe and inclusive for people from all backgrounds? 
It's easy to just slap someone with a million bucks and call it a day, but is that really addressing the root problem? I don't know, man... I guess we'll just have to keep pushing for change 
.
. Like, if you're gonna get fired from your job because of a relationship and some comments from colleagues, it just shows that the department is all about keeping things "safe" for everyone... even if it means being super judgmental about people's personal lives. And let's be real, if a guy had done the same thing, he'd probably still have his job 
And maybe this will help other people like Qirici who are going through similar situations come forward and speak out. It's like, if one person can get some justice, maybe it'll inspire others to do the same.
. Because let's face it, law enforcement agencies are supposed to be about keeping the peace, not perpetuating a hostile work environment 
.
i mean enxhi qirici is human being who deserves respect and dignity just like everyone else, and yet shes been through hell because of some idiots in the boston police dept. her allegations werent even about having a "hostile work environment" it was about people making fun of her skin color and speculating about her private life, thats what she said happened 
, she went through so much just because of her interracial relationship and sex life 
. It's not right that people at work started gossiping about her like that 
. I'm glad the jury saw what was going on and awarded her $1 million in damages 
. But it's also sad that she had to go through all that drama in the first place 
.
. I think it's interesting that the jury didn't believe the cops' excuse about her performance issues, and it's clear that Qirici wasn't the problem here 
It just highlights how important it is for workplaces to be more inclusive and respectful 
.
. The fact that Qirici was let go because her colleagues were making racist remarks is just sad 
. The Boston Police Department needs to take this as an opportunity to reflect on its policies and procedures and make sure they're doing everything they can to support diversity and inclusion 
.
. It's time for us to create a culture of respect and empathy in our workplaces and communities 
This case is totally messed up fam, like they got her fired because of her personal life and then when she tries to fight it, they just claim she was bad at her job 
. Like, how can you fire someone for being a good cop but get all emotional on them in two random incidents? Sounds like a setup to me 
. We gotta keep fighting for those who are marginalized and oppressed online or offline 
anyways im glad shes gettin compensation tho its not about the money tho its about knowing that her voice was heard
As a society, we gotta do better, esp for women & minorities in the workplace. Its not fair that they have to deal with all this crap & still get fired from their job. 
Maybe its time for police departments to reevaluate their policies on diversity, inclusion, and zero tolerance for harassment 
, she deserves every penny of those $1 million damages 
, it's like she was being bullied or something 
! #JusticeForEnxhi #WorkplaceHarassmentMatters #DiversityInLawEnforcement