A California school superintendent who allegedly bullied members of a girls’ high school softball team when they didn’t applaud her daughter loudly enough during a ceremony last year was placed on leave Thursday.
The Poway Unified School District placed Superintendent Dr. Marian Kim Phelps on paid administrative leave, effective immediately after a months-long investigation into harassment allegations stemming from the incident.
Phelps and her daughter “JP” were “displeased” when the college softball player, who was named the team’s most valuable player, didn’t receive loud enough applause compared to other players at a team banquet last May.
After the banquet, “JP” accused seniors on the team of feeling “jealousy” and “hatred” toward her,” according to a lawsuit first obtained by NBC San Diego.
The 93-page lawsuit was filed Nov. 27 by “Jane Doe,” an unnamed softball pitcher from Del Norte, and her father against the school district, Phelps and other school district employees alleging violation of her free speech, along with emotional damage. heartbreak, harassment and more.
Phelps is accused of beginning her “investigation” the night of the banquet by texting and calling a member of the varsity team, who was a minor at the time, without permission, with the intention of questioning her.
Dr. Marian Kim Phelps, superintendent of the Poway Unified School District, was placed on administrative status following an investigation into alleged bullying of a high school softball team. 7San Diego
Later, the superintendent allegedly threatened all senior student-athletes with not participating in graduation if they did not admit that they were not clapping.
“[Phelps] made threats directed at the entire senior softball group that they would admit that they orchestrated a conspiracy to not applaud JP at the softball banquet or that [she] would guarantee that none of the senior softball players would be allowed to walk at graduation.
The school district launched an independent investigation into the allegations on Nov. 15.
“We have reached a sensitive point in the investigation and received information about the impact of this process,” read a statement from the school district. “In an effort to avoid distractions and ensure continued focus on District business and commitment to serving our students and community, the Board is placing the Superintendent on paid administrative leave, effective immediately.
Members of the Del Norte High School girls’ varsity softball team claim Phelps became upset when they didn’t “clap hard enough” for her daughter. 7San Diego
The superintendent had allegedly “constructed a narrative that falsely suggested” that the player had bullied her daughter while the two varsity softball students competed for the pitching position on the varsity team.
“We are informed and believe that [Phelps’] The aggressive behavior has its roots in what she unilaterally perceives as an intense rivalry between her daughter, JP, and one of the team’s other pitchers, the lawsuit reads.
Phelps allegedly “instituted, controlled, and orchestrated an illegitimate and biased internal “investigation” that resulted in plaintiff’s exclusion from all extracurricular activities for a significant portion of the 2023-2024 academic year,” reads the lawsuit first obtained by NBC San Diego.
“The behaviors exhibited encompass deception, retaliation, harassment, threats, harassment and intimidation, all intended to inflict emotional distress on the plaintiff and stifle her freedom of expression.”
The superintendent had allegedly “constructed a narrative that falsely suggested” that the player had bullied her daughter while the two varsity softball students competed for the pitching position on the varsity team. 7San Diego
While parents were happy with the school district’s decision, they questioned why the decision was made in February and not last year.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction, but I have questions about why now, because the board has had evidence for months,” Del Norte High parent Rachell Babler told the outlet.
“I think the district needs to review what happened here and how they are being transparent,” said another parent, Ted Buchen.
The team’s assistant coach, Tom Peronto, speaks at a recent school board meeting about the allegations. 7San Diego
The school district said the results of the investigation are still pending and they cannot provide further comment.
Poway is located approximately 25 miles northeast of San Diego.
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn