Miami, FL (LE FLORIDIEN)– Lieutenant Weslyne Lewis Francois, a Haitian-Bahamian police officer, has taken legal action against the City of Miami, alleging workplace discrimination and retaliation rooted in racial bias. The lawsuit sheds light on deeply troubling allegations involving the city’s police leadership and the treatment of minority officers within the department.
“I’m just fighting to protect the rights of equality in the workplace, and these rights are sacred and non-negotiable,” Lewis Francois asserted during a press event. The lieutenant, who continues to serve on the force, read a prepared statement but refrained from taking questions.
“I believe no person should ever tolerate being disrespected or discriminated against based on who they are, what they look like, what they represent, or the color of their skin,” she emphasized.
A descendant of Haitian and Bahamian lineage, Lieutenant Lewis Francois carries a heritage deeply connected to resilience and community service. Her background makes her a prominent figure among Miami’s diverse police force.[/caption]
However, her lawsuit details how this identity, instead of being celebrated, allegedly became the basis for professional setbacks and personal attacks.
Four years ago, she served as commander of Miami Police Department’s Coconut Grove District, earning respect and support from the local community. Yet, according to the lawsuit, her tenure there was marred by offensive comments from Police Chief Manny Morales, who allegedly criticized her hairstyle and instructed her to “tone down her look.”
The lawsuit claims these remarks implied her appearance as a Black, Haitian-Bahamian woman would not be accepted by the predominantly affluent Coconut Grove community.
“(Chief Morales was) referring to the fact that she is a Black, Haitian, Bahamian female and that’s how she looks,” said Michael Pizzi, Lewis Francois’ attorney. “There’s nothing wrong with that. That is a very racist comment.”
After objecting to the remarks, Lewis Francois alleges she faced retaliation, beginning with a transfer under the supervision of a superior who had previously been accused of using racial slurs. Her attorney described this as the start of a campaign of humiliation.
Pizzi detailed how Chief Morales allegedly stripped Lewis Francois of her role leading the honor guard and later demoted her from commander to lieutenant, resulting in an estimated annual financial loss of $30,000 to $50,000. The lawsuit further accuses Morales of orchestrating unwarranted reprimands, including assigning her tasks during approved leave or sick days.
“These actions were intended to humiliate and punish her for speaking out,” Pizzi told reporters.
The case has sparked public debate about the culture within the Miami Police Department, particularly concerning its treatment of officers of color. Chief Morales has not publicly responded to the allegations, while a city spokesperson dismissed the claims, stating: “Ms. Lewis’ complaint is merely an attempt to obtain payment from the city for a position she no longer holds. The city looks forward to challenging her false allegations in court.”
Pizzi fired back at the city’s response, describing it as tone-deaf.
“When someone complains about racism or being told they don’t have the right look, and the city’s response is to dismiss it as being all about money, that speaks volumes about why serious changes are needed at the top of that department,” Pizzi said.
