A California school superintendent accused of bullying members of a girl’s high school softball team when they didn’t clap loud enough for his daughter during a ceremony last year was placed on leave Thursday.
The Poway Unified School District placed the superintendent, Dr. Marian Kim Phelps, on paid administrative leave, effective immediately following a months-long investigation into allegations of harassment stemming from the incident.
Phelps and his daughter “JP” became “disgruntled” when the varsity softball player, who was named the team’s most valuable player, did not receive a loud enough ovation than the rest of the players at a team banquet last May.
After the banquet “JP” accused seniors on the team of feeling “jealous” and “hateful” toward him,” according to the lawsuit first obtained by NBC San Diego.
The 93-page lawsuit was filed Nov. 27, by “Jane Doe,” an unnamed Del Norte softball pitcher, and her father against the school district, Phelps and other school district employees alleging violations of their free speech rights, along with emotions. hardships, distractions and more.
Phelps is accused of beginning his “investigation” on the night of the banquet by texting and calling a senior university member, who was a minor at the time, without permission, with the intention of questioning him.
Dr. Marian Kim Phelps, superintendent of the Poway Unified School District, was placed under administration after an investigation into alleged harassment of the high school softball team. 7 San Diego
The superintendent then allegedly threatened all senior student-athletes that they would face not participating in graduation if they did not admit to not clapping.
“[Phelps] made a threat directed at the entire senior softball group that either they admit that they conspired not to clap for JP at the softball banquet or that [she] will ensure that no senior softball player is allowed to walk during graduation.
The school district launched an independent investigation into the allegations on Nov. 15.
“We have reached a sensitive point in the investigation and are receiving information regarding the impact of this process,” read a statement from the school district. “In an effort to avoid disruption and ensure continued focus on the District’s business and commitment to serving our students and community, the Board of Directors is placing the Superintendent on paid administrative leave, effective immediately.
Members of the Del Norte High School girls’ varsity softball team claimed Phelps became disgruntled when they didn’t “clap loud enough” for his daughter. 7 San Diego
The superintendent has been charged with “falsely constructing a narrative suggesting” the player had bullied his daughter because the two varsity softball students were both competing for a pitcher’s position on the varsity team.
“We were informed and believed that [Phelps’] aggressive behavior rooted in what he unilaterally perceived as a bitter rivalry between his daughter, JP, and one of the team’s other pitchers, the lawsuit said.
Phelps is accused of “initiating, controlling and orchestrating an unlawful and biased internal “investigation” that resulted in the Plaintiff being barred from all extracurricular activities for the majority of the 2023-2024 academic year,” the suit, first obtained by NBC San Diego, reads.
“The conduct exhibited included gaslighting, retaliation, harassment, intimidation, bullying and intimidation, all intended to inflict emotional distress on the Plaintiff, and restrict freedom of speech and expression.”
The superintendent has been charged with “falsely constructing a narrative suggesting” the player had bullied his daughter because the two varsity softball students were both competing for a pitcher’s position on the varsity team. 7 San Diego
While parents were happy with the school district’s decision, they questioned why the decision was made in February, and not last year.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction, but I have questions about why now that the board has months of evidence,” Del Norte High parent Rachell Babler told the outlet.
“I think the district needs to re-examine what’s going on here and how transparent they seem,” said another parent Ted Buchen.
Team assistant coach Tom Peronto spoke at a recent school board meeting about the allegations. 7 San Diego
The school district said the results of the investigation are still pending and could not comment further.
Poway is located about 25 miles northeast of San Diego.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
