US News
Former Norfolk police officer sues department over locker room policy and alleged retaliation
A former Virginia officer is seeking $15 million in damages after claiming she was forced to share a locker room with a transgender recruit and subsequently suspended.
The short version
- Former Norfolk police officer Meghan Grabow filed a lawsuit on August 10 against the city of Norfolk and Police Chief Mark Talbot.
- Grabow alleges she faced emotional distress and religious freedom violations after encountering a transgender woman recruit in the female locker room and being told by superiors to adapt.
- The lawsuit asserts Grabow was indefinitely suspended pending termination in 2025 over a minor traffic infraction in retaliation for her complaints.
- Grabow is seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, while the Norfolk Police Department declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Key facts
- Meghan Grabow filed a lawsuit against the city of Norfolk and Police Chief Mark Talbot on August 10.[Fox News]
- The legal action alleges Grabow was forced to share a women's locker room in August 2024 with a recruit who identifies as a woman but was born male.[Fox News]
- Grabow claims her religious rights as a Catholic were violated and seeks $15 million in compensatory damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress.[Fox News]
- The lawsuit states Grabow was placed on indefinite suspension pending termination in 2025 following a minor traffic infraction after trying to file a complaint.[Fox News]
- The Norfolk Police Department cited policy against commenting on active lawsuits and personnel issues.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The city of Norfolk and Police Chief Mark Talbot have not yet responded in court to the specific retaliation and civil rights claims made in the lawsuit.[Fox News]