Lesbian teacher awarded $700K after being labeled a 'witch' in an 'LGBTQ coven'

A former special education director in California has secured a $1.2 million settlement after filing a discrimination lawsuit against her school district's board of trustees. The Grossmont Union High School District in San Diego will pay Rose Tagnesi $19,000 immediately and $700,000 over the next 20 years, with an additional $481,000 covering legal fees. The board approved the settlement last week without acknowledging any wrongdoing.

"I hope this encourages the district to actively foster a culture of inclusivity for both students and staff," Tagnesi stated.

Tagnesi initiated the lawsuit in August 2024, claiming she faced repeated harassment due to her sexual orientation and retaliation for challenging the boards anti-LGBTQ policies, including attempts to ban LGBTQ+ books. She alleged that board trustee Jim Kelly referred to her and another female employee as witches in an LGBTQ coven and made inappropriate comments regarding her appearance and qualifications. Tagnesi also stated she was warned to keep a low profile about being a lesbian, as it could affect her career advancement.

Her demotion from special education director to a teaching role followed a 2021 incident where a 16-year-old special education student went missing for five days and was trafficked. While the students family sued the district over alleged administrative failures and a coverup, Tagnesi was not named as a defendant. The district settled with the family for $400,000 in 2023, then conducted a separate investigation into Tagnesi, which her lawsuit claims was a pretext to remove her and contributed to a hostile work environment.

"She has dedicated years of service to her students and fought to ensure a more inclusive environment," said her attorney, Aaron Olsen.

Analysis: Settlement in Discrimination Lawsuit Signals Ongoing Tensions in School District

The recent $1.2 million settlement between former special education director Rose Tagnesi and the Grossmont Union High School District raises important questions about workplace inclusivity and discrimination within educational institutions. While the settlement resolves the lawsuit, it does not provide clarity on the district’s stance regarding the allegations of harassment and retaliation Tagnesi faced. The district's decision to approve the settlement without acknowledging any wrongdoing is particularly notable, as it leaves unresolved questions regarding its internal culture and treatment of employees based on sexual orientation.

Tagnesi's allegations, which include harassment related to her LGBTQ+ identity and retaliation for opposing discriminatory policies, underscore the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in marginalized communities within public institutions. The lack of formal accountability from the district, paired with its settlement, suggests a desire to avoid prolonged litigation, yet it fails to address the deeper issue of fostering an inclusive environment for both students and staff.

Additionally, the incident involving the trafficking of a special education student adds another layer to this case. Although Tagnesi was not implicated in the family’s lawsuit, the subsequent investigation into her role appears to have been used as a tool for retaliation, further complicating the matter. As the district seeks to move forward, it must take concrete steps toward creating a safer and more inclusive environment, as Tagnesi hopes for in her statement. The settlement may close the chapter on this case, but it leaves open the broader conversation about discrimination in educational settings.

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• Lesbian educator wins $700K after she was allegedly called a ‘witch’ in an ‘LGBTQ coven’