Fired CPS teacher wins $225K judgment for termination
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CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
A former Chicago Public Schools teacher was awarded $225,000 Monday for being wrongfully fired from a Southeast Side high school by a principal accused in other lawsuits of terminating black employees.
Sara Meegan sued the Chicago Board of Education and former George Washington High School principal Florence Gonzalez for defamation and violation of the Illinois Whistleblower Act.
On Monday, a jury ruled in her favor and Meegan was awarded $225,000, according to court records. She first filed the suit in August 2009 in Cook County Circuit Court.
Other teachers have filed federal civil rights violation suits against Gonzalez. Those teachers claimed they were forced out after Gonzales took over the high school in the 2007-08 school year. Gonzales retired from CPS in June 2012, a CPS spokeswoman said.
Gonzales was accused of using the N-word to describe black teachers, and allegedly told a teacher she got rid of a special "Options for Knowledge" program so black students who rode buses to participate would stop coming, according to the suit.
A CPS spokeswoman said Wednesday night they are reviewing Monday's verdict and assessing their options.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:55:58 GMT
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:42 GMT
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:50:40 GMT
Canine units were employed Tuesday, in the search for missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, 20. He was last seen after taking his final exams last Wednesday.
Canine units were employed Tuesday, in the search for missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, 20. He was last seen after taking his final exams last Wednesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:46:15 GMT
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:19:16 GMT
If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over.
By: Zoe Sobel, FOX32 News Intern(Chicago) If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over. Meet the watermelon Oreo which is the newest member of their limited-edition
Saturday, June 15 2013 12:19 PM EDT2013-06-15 16:19:59 GMT
While the school year is winding down for Chicago Public Schools students, police and other city departments are preparing Safe Passage routes for the fall.
While the school year is winding down for Chicago Public Schools students, police and other city departments are preparing Safe Passage routes for the fall.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:10 PM EDT2013-06-15 01:10:30 GMT
About 850 teachers and staffers at schools doomed to either close this month or to reboot their staffs were handed pink slips Friday afternoon, according to Chicago Public Schools.
About 850 teachers and staffers at schools doomed to either close this month or to reboot their staffs were handed pink slips Friday afternoon, according to Chicago Public Schools.
Learn-a-palooza is a free festival where people learn from one another. Organizers say their mission is to foster free, creative exploration and help strengthen and develop communities. Kinna Thompson explains.
Learn-a-palooza is a free festival where people learn from one another. Organizers say their mission is to foster free, creative exploration and help strengthen and develop communities. Kinna Thompson explains.
Thursday, June 13 2013 10:49 AM EDT2013-06-13 14:49:47 GMT
Homelessness remains a big problem facing Chicago and the state of Illinois, particularly for military veterans. The Pritzker Military Library is doing its part to stop the trend.
Homelessness remains a big problem facing Chicago and the state of Illinois, particularly for military veterans. The Pritzker Military Library is doing its part to stop the trend.
A group of authors are touring the country on the Young Authors Give Back tour, trying to inspire young writers to follow their dreams. Authors Erin Bowman and Kat Zhang explained how the tour works.
A group of authors are touring the country on the Young Authors Give Back tour, trying to inspire young writers to follow their dreams. Authors Erin Bowman and Kat Zhang explained how the tour works.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 11:02 AM EDT2013-06-12 15:02:19 GMT
For now, Chicago Public Schools has legally left the door open to the possibility of halting 10 of its 50 historic school closings, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
For now, Chicago Public Schools has legally left the door open to the possibility of halting 10 of its 50 historic school closings, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Baseball legend and Cubs Hall of Famer Andre "The Hawk" Dawson works with Citi Cub Kids, a program that partners with the Jackie Robinson Foundation. He's visiting Polaris Charter Academy to send a positive message!
Baseball legend and Cubs Hall of Famer Andre "The Hawk" Dawson works with Citi Cub Kids, a program that partners with the Jackie Robinson Foundation. He's visiting Polaris Charter Academy to send a positive message!
The Little Style File's Kristin Cheuvront shared great ideas on how to keep the kids entertained this summer, like playing in nature, getting into the kitchen, encouraging reading and developing personal style!
The Little Style File's Kristin Cheuvront shared great ideas on how to keep the kids entertained this summer, like playing in nature, getting into the kitchen, encouraging reading and developing personal style!
Monday, June 10 2013 11:33 AM EDT2013-06-10 15:33:51 GMT
Good Day got a taste of science at the Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont Monday morning, where they've unveiled their Green Racing Simulator to teach kids about alternative energy.
Good Day got a taste of science at the Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont Monday morning, where they've unveiled their Green Racing Simulator to teach kids about alternative energy.
