Gay LAPD Officer Suspended by Board
Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Mitchell Grobeson, whose lawsuit led to a landmark 1993 settlement intended to end anti-gay discrimination and harassment within the agency, was suspended for 66 days by the LAPD Board of Rights this week.
Grobeson faced possible dismissal for wearing his uniform without permission at a gay pride festival and an AIDS benefit walk, and for recruiting fellow homosexuals to the LAPD in a magazine advertisement that the department did not sanction. He had been suspended without pay since the misconduct charges were filed in June 1995.
His attorney, Michael P. Stone, said Grobeson was pleased by the board’s decision Tuesday.
“The most important thing in the world for him was to remain a member of the LAPD,” Stone said.
But it is not clear when Grobeson, a 10-year department veteran, will be allowed to return to work.
He still faces other charges related to recruiting and wearing his uniform without permission.
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