Centinela Schools Sued by 3 Black Employees

A teacher, a grounds worker and a security guard at Centinela Valley Union High School District have each filed $1-million federal lawsuits against the district, its board of trustees and several other employees, claiming that they were harassed on the job because they are black.

Before they filed their lawsuits, teacher Linda Ellis, grounds worker Leo Jackson and security guard Cynthia Henderson filed claims with the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The department rejected their claims, saying there was not sufficient evidence of harassment to warrant formal hearings.

The lawsuits allege that the district violated the civil rights of Ellis, Henderson and Jackson. They have also sued for negligence and the negligent infliction of emotional distress.

“What we’re talking about is lots of different comments and incidents that add up to a racially hostile climate,” said their attorney, Kevin S. Gardner. “They just want it to stop, and they are entitled to compensation.”

But Larry Frierson, an attorney representing the school district and its trustees, said the district was being harassed by the lawsuits. “In every one of these cases, the district has always been successful in defending itself and we expect to be successful here,” Frierson said.

With the new claims, there are six discrimination lawsuits pending against the district.

To date, 16 employees have filed complaints with state authorities accusing the district and its employees of bias. Although most of the claims have been dismissed, settled or withdrawn, the fair employment department has yet to make a decision on three claims.