Fired CPS teacher wins $225K judgment for termination
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CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
A former Chicago Public Schools teacher was awarded $225,000 Monday for being wrongfully fired from a Southeast Side high school by a principal accused in other lawsuits of terminating black employees.
Sara Meegan sued the Chicago Board of Education and former George Washington High School principal Florence Gonzalez for defamation and violation of the Illinois Whistleblower Act.
On Monday, a jury ruled in her favor and Meegan was awarded $225,000, according to court records. She first filed the suit in August 2009 in Cook County Circuit Court.
Other teachers have filed federal civil rights violation suits against Gonzalez. Those teachers claimed they were forced out after Gonzales took over the high school in the 2007-08 school year. Gonzales retired from CPS in June 2012, a CPS spokeswoman said.
Gonzales was accused of using the N-word to describe black teachers, and allegedly told a teacher she got rid of a special "Options for Knowledge" program so black students who rode buses to participate would stop coming, according to the suit.
A CPS spokeswoman said Wednesday night they are reviewing Monday's verdict and assessing their options.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:53:15 GMT
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:44:55 GMT
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:41 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:41:10 GMT
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:28:58 GMT
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:44:55 GMT
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:28:58 GMT
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:39:06 GMT
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:37 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:37:06 GMT
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:08 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:08:29 GMT
Attorneys for the Chicago Teachers Union filed several federal lawsuits Wednesday, arguing the closing of 53 elementary schools discriminates against African-American children and those with disabilities.
Attorneys for the Chicago Teachers Union filed several federal lawsuits Wednesday, arguing the closing of 53 elementary schools discriminates against African-American children and those with disabilities.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 3:52 PM EDT2013-05-15 19:52:48 GMT
A 32-year-old bus driver for a far north suburban school district has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor, though the victim was not a student who rode her bus, according to police.
A 32-year-old bus driver for a far north suburban school district has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor, though the victim was not a student who rode her bus, according to police.
