Lieutenant Weslyne Lewis Francois, a distinguished 40-year-old Black, Haitian-Bahamian woman with nearly two decades of service in the Miami Police Department, has come forward with serious allegations against Chief of Police Manuel Morales. In an exclusive interview with CBS Miami, Lewis Francois detailed what she describes as a “campaign of racist and discriminatory actions” designed to derail her career.
The lawsuit, filed by Lewis Francois and her attorney, Michael Pizzi, sheds light on what they claim is a pattern of harassment and retaliation. According to Lewis Francois, the issues began after her 2020 promotion to commanding officer of the Coconut Grove District. She alleges that Chief Morales made inappropriate remarks about her hairstyle, instructing her to “tone down her look” and claiming it would not be accepted by the community.
Pizzi has labeled Morales’ remarks as overtly racist and a direct affront to Lewis Francois’ identity as a Black woman. “This was not just an offhand comment. This was an attack on her personhood and professionalism,” Pizzi stated.
Retaliation and Career Fallout
Lewis Francois further alleges that after voicing her objections to Morales’ comments, she became the target of retaliation. She claims she was reassigned under a superior with a history of using racial slurs, subjected to public humiliation, and ultimately demoted to lieutenant. The demotion, according to the lawsuit, resulted in a significant financial loss of $30,000 to $50,000 annually.
The allegations highlight broader concerns about racism and discriminatory practices within the Miami Police Department, an issue that Lewis Francois hopes her lawsuit will address.
A Fight for Justice and Change
Despite the alleged mistreatment, Lewis Francois has remained steadfast in her commitment to serving her community. She expressed her hope that this lawsuit will not only vindicate her but also set a standard for fairness and equality within the department.
“The goal isn’t just about my personal experience,” Lewis Francois shared. “It’s about ensuring that no other officer has to face what I have endured.”
Chief Morales and the Miami Police Department have yet to comment on the lawsuit, but the case has already sparked conversations about workplace discrimination and the treatment of minority officers in law enforcement.
Stay tuned as this story develops, shedding light on a crucial issue within one of Miami’s most prominent institutions.
Source: CBS News Miami
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