Should I sue the school?

SongWriter · Post by **SongWriter** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:36 am

I am being let go from a school and people much less qualified are being kept. But that's not what is bothering me. I was persecuted by two of my coworkers because of my conservative social views on one or two issues. I told them I am only trying to follow my religion. And to that my "team leader said "well your religion sucks!" Because of that I got angry and had what they said was a "meltdown."

I just learned that when I left the room this "team leader" would laugh and say "let's see if we could get him to have another "meltdown" by brining up religion.

I never wanted to talk about religion. I was not trying to preach to anyone. I am not even religious anymore. But I know a lot about religion and speak about it with confidence, so I am told. I thought I could have an intelligent conversation.

It is clear my civil rights were violated. I contacted a lawyer and I might have a case against the school.
I was told I would be blacklisted from working in another school. Does anyone know if this is true?
Does anyone think I should move forward with my convictions and sue?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:56 am

I am not sure what to tell you to do. That is entirely up to you. I am not sure about schools. I do know in the insurance industry having a lawsuit against an insurance company will make your chances very hard to find a job in the industry. It is public record. I dont know if schools are the same. I am sorry for your situation and hope you figure out what you want to do. Good Luck!

**Its a New Day** · Post by **Its a New Day** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:39 pm

Thanks. I heard from someone else the same thing about schools.
But this guy is so sleazy that something has to be done.
Maybe I should write a letter to the superintendent about how this guy has been misrepresenting me to my boss or at least have a sit down and tell the truth. Or I could forget the whole thing. It only happened a few times. But I don't like being misrepresented.

Carolyn Dickman · Post by **Carolyn Dickman** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:35 am

Songwriter, I don't know if you have a lawsuit against the school. A couple of questions, do you belong to a union? Do you have a contract? If no contract, you are an at-will employee, which means they can let you go and they do not have to give you a reason. Is this person who is harassing you a supervisor? If he is, I would think you would first need to go to this person's supervisor and file a formal complaint through the school. I would suggest that you gather your questions and pay the consultation fee for an attorney to answer any of your legal questions. Good Luck.

Lisa

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:23 am

Originally posted by LisaLisa:
Songwriter, I don't know if you have a lawsuit against the school. A couple of questions, do you belong to a union? Do you have a contract? If no contract, you are an at-will employee, which means they can let you go and they do not have to give you a reason. Is this person who is harassing you a supervisor? If he is, I would think you would first need to go to this person's supervisor and file a formal complaint through the school. I would suggest that you gather your questions and pay the consultation fee for an attorney to answer any of your legal questions. Good Luck.

Lisa

Lisa thanks. Yes, I worked on a yearly contract with the school. Yes, this person was a "team leader" but not on paper. On paper he was the same as I am "a computer specialist."

I am angry because I am leaving on bad terms because of my angry reactions to their harassment of my beliefs.

I decided not to file a suit because this would make it harder for me to get work inn other schools in the future. I just wrote HR and want to write my own interpretation on how everything transpired since I did not get a chance to.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:50 am

Manley - I understand taking the higher road. I think it is good that you are writing your side of the story for the HR Department. Working for an attorney, I can only suggest that you document everything. Take copious notes in case you will need them in the future, i.e., your are disparaged by your former employer while applying for another job (even though they are not allowed to do that).

Good Luck to you.

Lisa

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:04 am

Songwriter, I am very proud of you for not suing the school. You never know the Lord might have a better job for you than the one you have right now. Also, think of the ways you can possibly help others for going through the very same thing you are going through. Good luck and I will be praying for you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:38 am

It's good that you didn't pursue a law suit although part of me wanted to scream out with every fiber of my being to do it, since the liberal (some) agenda is to sue and "make right" every little thing they think was wronged to them. I know you know what I mean.

I believe that part of being a conservative IS taking the high road and not letting petty stuff like that get to you, or at least not letting mean-spirited liberals think they got to you.

Congratulations on taking that high road, it will make you a better person the more you do it, as difficult as it is!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:43 am

I heard the guy i said was incompetant was seething with anger. That made me feel bad. But I was angry when I learned that he was saying "let's see if we can get him to have a meltdown by bringing up religion.." Some may not believe this, but I really don't want him to lose his job! I was a victim of some abuse, but this is all so tiring that all I am filled is regret! Now they are going to remember me as a lunatic as my work filles their walls and website. I am sickened by it all.

I sent this email to everyone I had the meltdown to. I never got a response. I will continue to work with HR about my reference. I have to make sure it's going to be at least neutral since I knnow I burned the bridge behind me. What a fool I am sometimes.

Dear name, name and name,
I don't expect my apology to be accepted by all, but I want to sincerely apologize for criticizing name, name, name and name.
What I said was said out of anger and it's inexcusable! I take total responsibility for my outburst. If I could take back my words I would, but I can't. NAME has always been a very easy person to work with.
I can't express the regret I feel about criticizing him and I would take it back if I could. I wanted to leave with a handshake and goodbye to name and everyone else. I let the pressure get the best of me. I apologize to each and every one of you for my outburst, but especially to NAME. I hope that one day you can find it possible to accept my apology.
Thank you.