New details emerge in sexual misconduct case against fired SD Unified superintendent
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The San Diego Unified School District revealed new details about harassment two former administrators say they suffered at the hands of former superintendent Lamont Jackson.
State of play: The women claim Jackson "groomed" them with repeated inappropriate comments and sexual advances, while enticing them with potential career opportunities, and then they were effectively fired after rejecting him, according to records released by the district this week.
Why it matters: The women filed claims for legal damages against the school district in July, and those documents reveal new details of the allegations that were investigated before Jackson's firing in August.
Driving the news: Former area superintendent Monika Hazel and former chief of leadership and learning Tavga Bustani allege quid pro quo sexual harassment, discrimination, negligent hiring and retention, and more.
- The legal claims are against the district, Jackson and new superintendent Fabiola Bagula, according to the records, which were first obtained by the Union-Tribune.
Zoom in: Both women say they rejected Jackson's unwelcome and repeated sexual overtures, which led to further harassment and to being demoted from district administrators to classroom teachers.
- The women argue the demotions were essentially terminations as they were demeaning and humiliating and came with dramatic pay cuts.
Bustani's claim alleges Jackson made "sexually-tinged remarks" and direct sexual proposals, arranged to be alone at and outside of work, showed up to her house unannounced, repeatedly indicated his sexual interest in her, and implied promotions would be exchanged for "intimate relations."
- She also alleges the district coerced her into signing a settlement agreement following her demotion, waiving all claims against the district in exchange for a few more months of pay.
Hazel's claim alleges Jackson called her his "work wife" and made repeated and overt sexual advances, including inviting her to a hotel room, his home and Las Vegas.
- When she rejected Jackson's "demands for sexual favors he penalized her with a dramatic demotion," according to the claim.
- Hazel also alleges adverse and discriminatory treatment by Bagula, including being ordered to speak to Bagula "in a 'baby girl' voice while cowering and bowing towards her."
- Hazel claims she made multiple complaints to Jackson about Bagula's "hostile and offensive" behavior, which were ignored, and they retaliated against her by demoting her in a "reorganization."
What they're saying: "All claims and allegations raised in the letters have been thoroughly investigated, addressed, and are now closed," district spokesperson Mike Murad said in an emailed statement.
- "San Diego Unified remains committed to transparency, the safety and well-being of all students and staff, and to upholding the values of our community," he said.
- Hazel and Bustani's attorney said they stand on their claims. Jackson could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Catch up quick: In April, the district hired an independent third-party to investigate these allegations after becoming aware of them through a board member.
- The investigation found that Jackson more likely than not engaged in unwelcome, sex-based behavior consistent with a romantic interest in each of the women.
- It did not find sufficient evidence that the women's firings were because they refused Jackson's advances or that Jackson was promoting women for having sexual relations with him.
- In August, the board fired Jackson without cause, giving him six months of severance pay. Bagula was promoted to replace him.
What we're watching: In their complaints, Hazel and Bustani made offers to waive their claims against the district in exchange for $700,000 and $2 million, respectively.