LOS ANGELES (2UG) – An esteemed Los Angeles Unified School District employee has initiated legal proceedings against the district alleging racial harassment, discrimination, and retaliation for voicing concerns about a hostile work environment.
Dr. Darrylzette Jackson has been with LAUSD for 23 years working in the Procurement Services Division, and has filed a lawsuit against LAUSD and former manager Marc Monforte.
Dr. Jackson received her ‘right to sue’ letter from the Civil Rights Division July 10.
With an extensive history in LAUSD, Dr. Jackson has played a pivotal role as Deputy Director of Materiel Management, responsible for overseeing procurement, distribution, and inventory management of crucial supplies, equipment, and resources.
Dr. Jackson faced a distressing pattern of racial harassment initiated by her direct supervisor, Marc Monforte. The conduct included racial insults, exclusion from pivotal meetings, derogatory treatment among peers, and consistent bullying (magazine cover with an image of a monkey placed in her mailbox at work).
The hostile work environment consequentially affected Dr. Jackson’s ability to execute her role effectively, undermining her professional capabilities.
Despite raising concerns with LAUSD’s Equal Opportunity Section and Monforte’s superior, Judith Reece, appropriate measures were lacking. To the contrary, Monforte was promoted in 2021, seemingly rewarding his inappropriate behavior.
Dr. Jackson’s promotion to Director of Materiel Management was unjustly denied, despite her distinguished 23-year career and Deputy Director position. The position was instead awarded to a less qualified individual from the private sector.
Dr. Jackson was required to train the newly appointed hire in a role that she was unfairly denied, despite her unequivocally superior qualifications.
Dr. Jackson’s lawsuit seeks accountability and justice for the racial harassment, discrimination, and retaliation she endured. This case underscores the imperative of addressing workplace harassment and ensuring parity in the realm of promotions.
To read the full lawsuit click here.
1 Comment
Many of us who work for LAUSD know that race, gender, age and disability based harassment is real. Dr. Jackson is a professional. Bullying is not right, but the last time some of us spoke up about it, WE were censured. Thank you Dr. jackson for your courage.