Special Education Teacher California She is suing her former school district employers, claiming she was harassed and demoted because she is gay and opposed the board’s anti-LGBTQ policies, according to the local ABC affiliate. Korea GTV Reported.
Rose Tagnesi filed the lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court last month against the Grossmont Union High School District, where she had worked as an educator and administrator for more than 13 years until earlier this year.
“I want justice, I want accountability, but most of all I want this to stop and for there to be awareness that this is happening,” Tagnesi said. Korea GTV.
In her lawsuit, Tagnesi alleges multiple instances of harassment based on her gender identity, as well as retaliation for speaking out against the conservative school board’s “anti-LGBTQ policies.”
Tagnesi alleges that School Committee Trustee Jim Kelly called her and the women who report to her “witches” who are members of an “LGBTQ witch coven.” She also claims that Kelly called staff members “sexy” and said they were unworthy of their positions.
In another incident, Tagnesi claims she was told to keep a “low profile” about her sexual identity.
Kelly denied the allegations.
“Anyone can allege anything in a complaint, no matter how false,” Kelly said in an email. Korea GTV.
He also expressed confidence that he and the district would be exonerated during the trial.
Tagnesi was placed on paid administrative leave in August 2023, pending the outcome of an investigation into his conduct and performance.
“I’ve never been told what I did,” Tagnesi said. “I’ve never been told what I’m accused of doing. I’ve never even been asked a question.”
Tagnesi resigned shortly after a heated school board hearing with the family of a special education student who was a victim of sex trafficking.
Taryn Finn was 16 when she went missing on Jan. 10, 2021. She was a student at Santana High School in Santee at the time, where Tagnesi was the special education director.
Rodolfo Emmanuel Ledesma, a homeless man from East San Diego County, pleaded guilty in 2022 to luring Finn into his camper at a homeless camp under a freeway underpass. He held Finn captive there for five days, during which time Finn became a victim of sex trafficking. Ledesma was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison in a plea deal, but is expected to serve only four of those years.
At a school board meeting in February, East County MagazineFinn’s family and supporters hold Tagnesi, Santana High School Principal Timothy Schwuckow, Vice Principal Larry Oedewald, and Director of Special Education Amy Sugg responsible for the incident for failing to protect Finn. They also claim that the actions of school administrators and students directly contributed to Finn being lured to the RV by Ledesma, and that the board attempted to cover up their involvement.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
