The principal of Alsea Elementary School filed a lawsuit against Alsea School District, alleging that both she and others endured a hostile work environment.
Many of the allegations in the lawsuit involve former superintendent Marc Thielman, who Alsea principal Shanon Rice claims to have created a culture of sexual harassment in the workplace by regularly making sexual comments about himself and female coworkers.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court in Eugene, claims that male coworkers – regardless of their positions – were often favored when making decisions.
“The conduct of defendant’s superintendent set the tone for all of defendant’s employees and led defendant’s male employees to increasingly engage in inappropriate, disrespectful, and generally misogynistic behaviors toward plaintiff and other female employees,” the lawsuit reads in part.
Rice is seeking nearly $4 million.
This isn’t the first time the former superintendent has been the subject of controversy. Previously, Thielman’s pushback against the mask mandate led to the district being fined $43,000 for violations by Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration. He resigned in February, saying he needed to focus on his run for governor.
By Momoko Baker
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