Norfolk Police Officer Files Lawsuit Over Locker Room Policy

Norfolk Police Officer Meghan Grabow has filed a $15 million lawsuit against the city of Norfolk, Virginia, and Police Chief Mark Talbot. The legal action follows a 2024 incident in which a male recruit who identifies as a woman entered the women’s locker room while Grabow was changing. The lawsuit alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress and a violation of Grabow’s religious freedom, citing her Catholic faith and her refusal to use pronouns that conflict with her beliefs regarding biological sex.

According to the filing, Grabow reported the incident to her superiors, who allegedly instructed her to adapt to the situation or use a different locker room. The lawsuit further claims that department leadership mandated the use of female pronouns for the recruit, which Grabow contends violates her conscience. A spokesperson for the city of Norfolk stated that the municipality cannot comment on pending litigation. The case, filed in Norfolk Circuit Court, highlights ongoing tensions regarding workplace policies, religious expression, and transgender inclusion within law enforcement agencies.