A former Duval Early Learning Academy principal says she was discriminated against for her race and disability during her tenure in the county school system, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in circuit court.
Catherine Barnes, who resigned in 2019, contends she was treated differently and retaliated against in her four years with the district because of her race, disability and for reporting the school board’s “unlawful” employment activities. In her lawsuit, she’s requesting $30,000 and a jury trial.
From March to May 2019, Barnes was placed on administrative leave following three complaints from her employees about unethical conduct and harassing behavior. The employees said Barnes showed favoritism toward certain teachers and promoted deals on cruise lines through her side travel agency during staff presentations.