A Long Island public school teacher accused of displaying a racially offensive image in her classroom, triggering national outcry and calls for dismissal, has come forward to claim she was cleared of all charges. However, Nancy Jones Doering alleges ongoing persecution by vengeful Black colleagues and school district officials, whom she accuses of targeting her “because of her race.”
Table of Contents
Long Island Incident Sparks Outcry and Investigation
The controversy began when a photo, part of a larger display featuring teachers and students, showed a pair of hangman’s nooses under the caption “back to school necklaces.” The image prompted widespread condemnation, leading to the suspension and later termination of three teachers involved. The school district attributed the incident to an “isolated group of teachers” and claimed appropriate action had been taken.
Exoneration and Reinstatement
In a surprising turn, Jones Doering, a longtime social studies teacher, reveals in a lawsuit obtained by The Daily Beast that she was one of the accused individuals. The lawsuit discloses that a hearing officer in October 2022 exonerated her of all charges, including interfering with the investigation by concealing evidence, and ordered her reinstatement. Despite this, Jones Doering alleges she has faced ongoing persecution based on “false, fabricated, and uncorroborated accusations.”
Allegations of Race-Based Targeting
Jones Doering contends that the school district ignored the hearing officer’s orders and subjected her to isolation, defamatory comments, and the removal of her duties. She accuses the district of racial discrimination, asserting that she is targeted because of her race. The lawsuit claims she lives “in constant anxiety, stress, and daily fear” due to the alleged ongoing discrimination and harassment.
Timeline of Events
The incident unfolded on Feb. 6, 2019, when the school district learned of an offensive collage in an unnamed teacher’s classroom. Jones Doering insists the classroom was not hers. She claims to have noticed the offensive content the next day, removed it from the other teacher’s classroom, and placed it in a locked cabinet in her room. Jones Doering and the other teacher were suspended on Feb. 8, 2019, and formally accused of various offenses.
Teacher’s Defense and Legal Proceedings
In her defense, Jones Doering states that she neither created nor displayed any racist collage. She asserts that the school district was aware of the individuals responsible for the collage but made false statements about her. A 3020a hearing, lasting 3.5 years, culminated in an October 2022 decision exonerating Jones Doering. Despite the hearing officer’s orders for reinstatement, she alleges the district ignored them.
Ongoing Discrimination and Harassment
Jones Doering claims that since the school district initiated its investigation, she has faced ongoing discrimination and harassment. The lawsuit mentions derogatory comments and a vandalized car, alleging that the district failed to investigate or ensure her safety. Incidents of racism on a whiteboard and alleged community attacks further contribute to her claims of ongoing discrimination.
The lawsuit, filed against the school district, the Roosevelt Board of Education, and unnamed individuals, includes allegations of racial discrimination, retaliation, creating a hostile work environment, emotional distress, negligent supervision, and defamation. Jones Doering demands compensatory, prospective, exemplary, and punitive damages, along with lost compensation and a court order to halt further discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
District Response and Legal Process
As of now, Roosevelt Union Free School District officials have not responded to requests for comment. The district has yet to file a formal response to Jones Doering’s complaint. The lawsuit sets the stage for a potential legal battle, with Jones Doering seeking a jury trial to address the alleged discrimination and seek appropriate damages.
The unfolding situation raises questions about the complexities surrounding workplace discrimination claims and the need for a fair and just resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.