People shouldn't have to hide who they are, or be subjected to harassment based on their appearance. A police officer in Vacaville, California, has filed a $1.5 million sexual harassment lawsuit. The woman, a former cheerleader, says her past and her appearance caused relentless sexual harassment within the police department. She says her peers' behavior led to a hostile work environment.

The woman, a former Oakland Raiderette during the 1997-98 season who finished her police training in 2005, says her co-workers subjected her to gender-based harassment. She said fellow officers kept calling attention to her appearance.

For example, they would comment that they wanted to see her naked. She was also told not to use the department's gym because she would be a distraction. She also claims in her lawsuit that when she complained about the harassment to her supervisors, she suffered a physical injury, according to KCRA's website. She eventually had to be put on light duty due to injuries sustained in training.

She says the department did nothing about her complaints, and in fact retaliated against her for making them. She says she was accused of fraudulently seeking medical treatment. That led to criminal charges against her, which were dismissed. She says people in the department were trying to scare and intimidate her.

The officer also alleges that when she requested an investigation by the Internal Affairs division, she sustained yet more retaliation. In addition to monetary damages, she hopes the lawsuit will result in departmental changes. She is still apparently employed by the department, but is currently on administrative leave.

The department, not surprisingly, denies the allegations.

Source: KCRA, "Cheerleader-turned-cop files sexual harassment suit," Aug. 17, 2011