Norfolk Academy, a private Episcopal school in Norfolk, Virginia, has been involved in several lawsuits alleging discrimination, unfair labor practices, and negligence. These lawsuits have raised concerns about the school’s policies and practices and their impact on students, faculty, and staff.
Examples of Norfolk Academy Lawsuits
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Joan Allison v. Norfolk Academy (2020): Former teacher Joan Allison filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Academy alleging race discrimination, retaliation, and breach of contract. Allison claimed that she was demoted from her position as a third-grade homeroom teacher and subjected to a hostile work environment due to her race. The lawsuit was dismissed by the court in 2023.
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Burnett v. Norfolk Academy (2010): Former student Chelsi Burnett and her mother, Pamela Burnett, filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Academy alleging negligence and breach of duty. The plaintiffs claimed that Chelsi Burnett suffered a life-threatening illness during a track meet at the school, and that the school failed to take adequate precautions to ensure the safety of its students. The lawsuit was settled out of court in 2010.
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Norfolk Academy Teachers’ Union v. Norfolk Academy (2016): The Norfolk Academy Teachers’ Union filed an unfair labor practices charge against the school alleging that the school violated federal labor law by refusing to bargain with the union over certain terms of employment. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled in favor of the union in 2017.
Allegations Against Norfolk Academy
Norfolk Academy has been accused of the following:
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Discrimination: The school has been accused of discriminating against employees and students on the basis of race, gender, and other protected characteristics.
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Unfair labor practices: The school has been accused of engaging in unfair labor practices, such as interfering with union organizing and refusing to bargain with its employees in good faith.
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Negligence: The school has been accused of negligence in its handling of student safety and other matters.
Impact of Norfolk Academy Lawsuits
The lawsuits against Norfolk Academy have had a significant impact on the school. The school has been forced to pay settlements and damages to plaintiffs, and it has also been forced to change its policies and practices to comply with the law.
Resources for Those Affected by Norfolk Academy
If you have been a student, employee, or parent at Norfolk Academy and believe that you have been discriminated against, retaliated against, or otherwise harmed by the school’s actions, you may have legal options. You should consult with an attorney to discuss your case.
Here are some resources that can help you find an attorney:
- The American Association for Justice
- The American Bar Association
- The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
