Beavercreek teacher sues district for alleged discrimination

A Beavercreek schools foreign language teacher has sued the district claiming she was discriminated against when she was transferred from teaching Spanish to French.

The lawsuit on behalf of teacher Bonnie M. McGriff was filed Nov. 9 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio in Dayton.

MORE: Yellow Springs man accused of sex offense arrested 7 months after investigation began

McGriff, 54, filed a discrimination complaint in August with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Days later, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission gave a “notice of rights,” which indicated McGriff had a right to file a civil action within 90 days against Beavercreek City Schools, according to court records.

According to the complaint, McGriff claims she was discriminated against based on age and having a hearing disability when her employer changed her job assignment.

“Prior to the 2017-18 school year, (McGriff) was given a job transfer to teach French only, which (McGriff) believes was calculated to force her out of employment due to her age and disability,” according to the lawsuit. “(McGriff) has taught Spanish in an exceptional manner for her entire career despite suffering from a hearing disability. The last time she taught French I was nearly 20 years ago; and at the time of the job transfer, she had never taught French II.”

The district released a statement in response to an inquiry from the Dayton Daily News.

SEE ALSO: Sugarcreek trustees consider HPA Development homes approval

“The District is aware of the recent complaint filed by Bonnie McGriff. The District denies her allegations of discrimination and will defend itself vigorously. The District has no further comment on this matter at this time,” it said in the statement.

McGriff has worked as a teacher in Beavercreek schools since 1996 and has 30 years of experience teaching Spanish, 21 of which came in the Beavercreek district, according to the complaint.

The complaint states that “substantially younger and non-disabled employees were provided more favorable teaching assignments” than McGriff, who is the department chair.

STAY CONNECTED: Greene County News on Facebook

McGriff is seeking relief from the court’s decision to restore her as the Spanish teacher, reimbursement for attorney fees and costs, back pay and all benefits owed, as well as compensatory damages in excess of $25,000, according to the lawsuit.

McGriff is being represented by attorney David Duwel. Duwel could not be reached for comment.

About the Author