TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Scott High School Principal Dr. Carnell Smith has been accused of sexual harassment by a teacher who recently filed a lawsuit against Dr. Smith and the Toledo School District Board of Education City.

According to court documents, a former Scott High School teacher accused Dr. Smith of sexually harassing her from August 2017 to April 2023. The teacher was hired by the district in 2004 and worked at the Scott High School until the end of the 2022-2023 year. school year. For the 2023-2024 school year, the plaintiff was transferred to the TPS Virtual Academy.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiff states that the harassment began around August 17, 2017, when Dr. Smith took a photo of her feet/legs, sent her the photo, and told her, “Have a great school year!”

The plaintiff claims that Dr. Smith continued to make her feel uncomfortable by commenting on her appearance and visiting her class more than necessary. She claims that during the 2022-2023 school year, the principal’s comments became more extreme and more frequent.

According to the lawsuit, Dr. Smith and the plaintiff argued in March 2023 following an email sent by the plaintiff. Dr. Smith then allegedly yelled at him in front of other employees, prompting him to send an email to his union representative.

Shortly after contacting the union representative, the complainant spoke to the TPS Acting Superintendent of Human Resources about the incident. The plaintiff also gave examples of instances where she had been sexually harassed by Dr. Smith.

On April 13, 2023, the plaintiff filed a formal complaint against Dr. Smith, which detailed some of the sexual harassment. Examples provided in the document include Dr. Smith saying she “should wear more skirts” or “wear a dress and heels,” among other things.

She also said in the formal complaint that he made comments to another teacher speculating about her sexual activities and sexual history.

During the investigation of the formal complaint, Dr. Smith was allowed to continue working as director. The plaintiff claims she was forced to continue working with him during the investigation, even though she said she did not feel comfortable working for him.

After the school year, she requested a transfer to another school.

According to the lawsuit, the investigation was turned over to a third-party decision maker to make a decision. After reviewing the investigation report, the decision maker concluded that she had been sexually harassed during the 2022-2023 school year and that Dr. Smith had violated school board policy.

After the ruling, she attempted to return to Scott High School assuming Dr. Smith would no longer be there. However, Dr. Smith was not placed on administrative leave or disciplined and was also returning for the 2023-2024 school year.

Because Dr. Smith was not fired, she decided not to return and was transferred to the TPS Virtual Academy.

In November 2023, the plaintiff was informed of the board’s disciplinary decision and was outraged, stating that the board “did not seriously pursue its case against Director Smith and requested that only minor disciplinary action be taken.” imposed against Director Smith.”

According to the lawsuit, the board recommended that Dr. Smith participate in the TPS adult social-emotional learning program and nothing more.

The plaintiff claims in the lawsuit that she makes less money at the virtual academy than she did working at Scott High School.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff asks the court to award equitable relief as compensation for her transfer of employment, compensation for loss of opportunity for gainful employment, for her future earnings, for humiliation, embarrassment and loss of reputation. She also seeks back pay with interest, punitive damages and attorney’s fees.

The full 15-page lawsuit can be viewed below.

Latest local news | First weather alert | Crime | National | 13abc Originals

Copyright 2024 WTVG. All rights reserved.