SCI presented a panel discussion on the book Busting the Brass Ceiling, by Fanchon Blake and Linden Gross. The book tells Blake’s story as a LAPD officer, joining the department in 1948. Her ambition to rise in the ranks was curtailed by an increasingly discriminatory agenda, but her tenacity led to a promotion to sergeant 19 years later. When LAPD policy barred her from rising any further and threatened to eliminate women from the department, she sued. The historic case changed the face of policing around the country.
The panel discussion featured current and former LAPD trailblazers: Retired Deputy Chief Margaret “Peggy” York; Retired Captain Ann E. Young; Commander Ruby Flores; and author Linden Gross. The discussion was moderated by Christine Devine.
The event was co-presented with SCI by the USC Department of Public Safety, Los Angeles Women Police Officers and Associates, and the Los Angeles Police Museum. Watch the full event below.
