Trustees Deny Former Principal’s Claim

Inglewood school trustees on Wednesday unanimously denied a claim filed by former Inglewood High School Principal Lawrence Freeman, who alleges that he was illegally removed from his $65,000-a-year post last year.

Freeman, who did not attend the meeting, has been on paid stress leave since he was removed from his position in May, 1990. He declined comment Thursday and his attorney, Ronald Wilson, did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Trustees rejected the claim, 4-0, without public comment after a lengthy closed session. District officials would not discuss details of the claim, but they said it did not specify damages or whether Freeman was seeking reinstatement.

A claim is the first step in filing a lawsuit against a public agency. Supt. George McKenna had recommended rejection of the claim, and trustees said Thursday that the denial was standard procedure.

Freeman was removed by the board after a black student boycott of a Cinco de Mayo celebration last year led to fighting between black and Latino students. Some students accused Freeman of not dealing effectively with racial divisions at the school.

Trustees removed Freeman as principal, citing longstanding complaints from students and teachers about his brash leadership style. His detractors called him “Screamin’ Freeman.”

However, his supporters said he rid the campus of gang activity and established high expectations for students. The 67-year-old educator was principal at Inglewood for more than six years.