In the case of Johnson v. Toledo City School Dist. Bd. of Edn., 2023-Ohio-1306, an appellate court held that the school district did not discriminate against the teacher based on the teacher’s race when the school district chose to not hire the teacher for several positions and to fire the teacher based on the teacher’s failure to disclose the teacher’s prior discipline.
In this case, the teacher argued that the school district discriminated against the teacher by not hiring the teacher for numerous positions the teacher was qualified for and the school district hired more Caucasians than African Americans. In response, the school district argued that the teacher lied on the job applications by saying that the teacher was never terminated from a job or had a license suspended and these facts about the teacher’s history would disqualify the teacher from employment with the school district. The appellate court agreed with the school district.
In support of its decision in favor of the school district, the appellate court explained that the school district was able to identify multiple non-discriminatory reasons why the teacher was not hired, including the teacher’s past discipline record, and lying on the teacher’s job application.
To read this case, click here.
Authors: Matthew John Markling and the McGown & Markling Team.
Note: This blog entry does not constitute – nor does it contain – legal advice. Legal jurisprudence is like the always-changing Midwestern weather. As a result, this single blog entry cannot substitute for consultation with a McGown & Markling attorney. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, please feel free to contact a McGown & Markling attorney.