was accused of being insufficiently aware of” creative standards.”
A light Philadelphia school superintendent has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that she was discriminated against after a two-year-old graduation ceremony event.
In 2023 , a video of Principal Lisa Mesi, who had withheld certificates from a pair of black students in violation of graduation ceremony laws, went viral ( see below ).
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Mesi had in advance warned the freshman class of Philadelphia High School for Girls that they were “expected to walk across the]… stage calmly, without celebration.”
Mesi ( pictured ) further advised students that if” their families clapped, cheered, or called out their names” their diplomas would be withheld until later.
A student “danced across the phase,” holding up two certifications, and a second” who flipped her hair, prompting people to clap” one.
Several alleged Mesi was “insensitive to Black society” by her steps.
While Assistant Superintendent Ted Domers told Mesi she showed a “lack of respect” and a “lack of awareness of culturally responsive norms,” vice president Reginald Streater had stated that holding the diplomas “precluded ] moments of inclusive joy.”
According to the suit filed last year, Mesi said she was “falsely accused” of being racist for withholding the certificates, and that authorities had to get involved expected to” threatening, vulgar and vulgar feedback” directed at her.
Because Mesi is white, the suit claims that she was later fired from her placement” as a form of discipline and given a demeaning’special assignment’.
Further: Philadelphia family party wants a’ pleasure audit,’ ‘ general joy officer’ for city schools
The complaint further mentions that Philadelphia High School for Girls, one of the” initial public high schools for women,” has an “established rule and history” of requiring its alumni to approach fully across the level without crowd yelling or applause.
Following a contentious graduation ceremony, a light Philadelphia primary who was fired from her place has filed a complaint alleging racial discrimination.
After two dark individuals danced across the stage at their undergraduate and… picture, she withheld their diplomas. twitter.com/8oIylCX6VA
— ‘ Seeing is believing’ ( @dave24144975 ) January 12, 2025
Mesi says she was punished for “refus]ing ] to appear at a public press conference and to issue a public apology, as requested by the defendants, regarding a matter of public concern that had racial overtones”.
The Philadelphia School District and Associated Superintendent Tomas Hanna are the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Mesi is seeking payment for “emotional pain, social damage, loss of earnings, and opportunities for skilled advancement”.
Mesi was found guilty of insubordination” for refusing to provide support for composing a public message” to respond to the diploma incident,” according to the lawsuit, and he was then relegated to a central office job” with prejudice.”
Mesi worked a desk job for” simplistic and menial tasks unsuitable for someone of her caliber and with her experience and qualifications, such as creating PowerPoint slides and Excel sheets, and preparing emails and briefings for an Associate Superintendent,” during the years 2023 to 2024. It was “humiliating and demeaning” for Mesi, the suit says.
She submitted an application for open administrative positions, including associate superintendent and principal positions at Masterman, Greenberg, and Meredith Schools, but was ultimately rejected. Mesi contends that less-qualified Black candidates were chosen for at least two of the positions.
Mesi is currently the principal of an arts and sciences school, which is “far from the top of her ] wish list” in contrast to the positions for which she was turned down.
MORE: Black girls say they’re’ routinely subjected to racism’ by students, teachers in Philly schools
IMAGE: Daily Mail Online/X
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