White Teacher Wins $350,000 in Bias Lawsuit Against Maryland School
A white teacher who said he suffered years of race-based abuse from his black boss at a Maryland High School was awarded $350,000 this month after he sued the school system for racial bias.
Former Prince George’s County teacher Jon Everhart claimed that the principal at Largo High School repeatedly called him racist names and constantly told him and others she intended to fire him because he is white.
“She called me ‘poor white trash’ and ‘white b—-,’ ” Everhart, 65, said of Largo principal Angelique Simpson-Marcus. “Her behavior was so outlandish.”
The jury sided with the teacher on his discrimination claim, but not the charges of a “hostile workplace.” He was awarded the $350,000 for compensatory damages because he experienced health problems as a result of the situation. He may also receive back pay and benefits.
Records show that Everhart had high teacher performance ratings and was even named “teacher of the year” until Simpson-Marcus became principal and then his satisfactory evaluations came to an abrupt halt.
Simpson-Marcus transferred Everhart out of his position teaching honors English despite that he was popular with students. The principal is said to have informed students that Everhart was going to be fired.
Everhart’s attorney successfully argued that the teacher filed multiple complaints with the school district and all were ignored. He also tried to transfer to a different school in the district but his transfer was blocked by administrators. Everhart’s attorney also says that the district never launched any investigation into Simpson-Marcus’ behavior until the teacher won his lawsuit.