A federal appeals court has reinstated a discrimination lawsuit filed against a Black woman who said she was snubbed for a promotion that was given to a white man with less experience. Before the reinstatement, a lower court had recently dismissed the case.
Esther Watson has been an educator for approximately 50 years, including serving as a teacher for 20 years, an assistant principal for about a decade and a principal for seven years. according to documents from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans in Esther Watson v. School Board of Franklin Parish, et al.
So when the principal of Winnsboro Elementary School stepped down, she applied for the position knowing she would come out victorious as the top candidate. But the school overlooked her and decided to promote a white man with only eight years of teaching experience instead.
Watson decided she would sue, citing race discrimination in violation of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act. After hearing her case, the district court ruled against her and in favor of the school’s Board. She then appealed the case, and the ruling was overturned by a three-judge appeals court panel.
“Ms. Watson was rejected for the job on the basis she was a retiree returning to work who would not serve long term, and that, unlike the winning candidate, she did not live in Franklin Parish,” a Business Insurance report says the panel explained.
Ms. Watson “produced evidence from which a jury could find that she was clearly better qualified for the principal position and that therefore the School Board’s proffered reasons” for choosing the man, which was pretextual, the ruling acknowledged.
“More importantly, she also presented evidence as to her substantial amount of relevant work experience, above all almost a decade as an assistant principal at the Winnsboro school and as a principal in another school,” the ruling added.
This story is developing.
