The decision was made by a San Diego County jury after she filed a lawsuit
BY HEBE HANCOK, IMAGE BY GETTY
A San Diego County jury has awarded $10 million in damages to Ashley Cummins, a former National City police officer and openly lesbian woman, after finding she was subjected to years of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation within the force.
Cummins, who is also a professional MMA fighter, alleged that from the moment she joined the department, she was targeted because of her gender and sexual orientation. According to the lawsuit, male officers and supervisors perpetuated a culture that expected women to either be submissive or sleep with male colleagues in order to fit in. For Cummins, an out lesbian, refusing to play along led to isolation, mistreatment and repeated career setbacks.
Her legal team argued she was denied fair opportunities, including a coveted K-9 unit promotion that went to a less experienced male officer. She was also placed on leave following a shooting incident she wasn’t involved in – a move her lawyers say was further evidence of retaliatory behaviour.
The jury sided with Cummins, concluding that the National City Police Department not only allowed the harassment to continue but failed to act when she reported it. The $10 million verdict is a significant win – both legally and symbolically – for LGBTQIA women in law enforcement.
Cummins’ case highlights the systemic barriers queer women still face in male-dominated fields and stands as a powerful reminder that fighting back can lead to justice – and change.
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