Former principal sues Marshall school board for discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment

MARSHALL — A former middle school principal filed suit against the Marshall Public School District Board on Wednesday, accusing the board of discrimination and retaliation for her refusal to remove a LGBTQ pride flag from a display in the school cafeteria last year.

In her lawsuit, Mary Kay Thomas also accuses school board director Bill Swope of sexual harassment, claiming that he routinely called Thomas “sweetie,” remarked on her appearance, and said he wanted to kiss her neck. The complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis alleges that at one point in their 15-year work relationship Swope kissed her against her will.

Swope is a founder of the Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall, former principal of a Marshall elementary school, a retired teacher and former executive director of the Pride in the Tiger Foundation that raises money for local education. He did not return messages asking for comment.

District Superintendent Jeremy Williams, also named in the complaint, said in a statement, “Marshall Public Schools is committed to the education of every child and has strong policies and practices in place against discrimination, against both students and staff members. The school district is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and safe learning and working environment for students, staff, and our families.”

Read more: https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/03/former-principal-sues-marshall-school-board-for-discrimination-retaliation-and-sexual-harassment/