Nov. 11, 2024 9:30p
(WGTD0---The former Raymond School principal who was fired last year has filed a federal lawsuit alleging the action was illegal and was only taken because he’s gay. The suit by Jeff Peterson was first reported by the Journal Times.
The lawsuit names current and former school board members, a former school board candidate and a former Raymond superintendent.
It claims they created a web of falsehoods to serve as pretext for getting rid of Peterson.
The state Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division has already found probable cause that Peterson’s rights were violated. The finding will trigger a formal hearing.
In his lawsuit, Peterson asks for his job back, or in the alternative, the equivalent of ten years’ worth of pay. The lawsuit also seeks punitive damages against the defendants.
Peterson—who once was named Principal of the Year in Wisconsin---says he’s been unable to find new employment in the wake of the highly-publicized story.
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