Teacher Files Lawsuit Against School District

I am no expert, but these conditions are not protected disabilities for employment. Scrutizing a teacher for anxiety, not being able to pay attention, and being depressed should be policy not prohibited, especially around children. Threatening emails are serious allegations, but if they are ultimatums for performance, they may fall within the law, but outside of district policy. What are the physical disabilities?

You're right, Skaterspoint, you're no expert.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedi...

Ouch.

Very proud of Mr. Ezell for having the courage to do what so many others were afraid of doing. There are so many others who could tell their almost identical situations, but instead left Roosevet through the years because of Donna Ronzone's inhuman behavior towards them. If the district would have listened to the many past complaints towards Ronzone this lawsuit may not be an issue now. If there's a journalist who is willing to take this story on, and willing to listen, they may be suprised at the damage already done. Most who work with children do it for the children and when issues arise they need to be dealt with having the children's best interests in mind, and in our opinion Ronzone didn't do that. Harassment is never the answer.

Ease up Tera, the article didn't say whether he was clinically diagnosed before or after he took the job.. As a parent I would be concerned that teachers are having mental issues, or suffer needing medication.. yes i am not expert but if i am like you and look up on the internet.....There are two exceptions to the requirements of Title I of the ADA:

First, an employer is not required to provide an accommodation if it will impose an "undue hardship" on the operation of its business such as accommodations that are excessively costly, extensive, substantial, or disruptive, or would fundamentally alter the nature or operation of the business.

Second, an employer may refuse to employ or provide accommodations to an individual who poses a "direct threat" to the health or safety of him/herself or other employees in the workplace. The determination that an individual poses a direct threat to self or others cannot be made simply based on stereotypical generalizations about mental illness, but may be based only on objective evidence from a treatment provider or another credible source that the individual’s present condition makes him or her a direct threat to self or others.

Hence, more evaluations! Look.. sounds like the principal was out of line and David is a good guy. I am stating my opinion, he even calls them disabilities.

nednted: I sure hope someone investigates this. I was amazed by the local talent behind the NP article re Cottage Hospital security thugs, and this article and your comments re past complaints demand a follow-up. There is no mention in this article of any behavior by Mr. Ezell that is detrimental to his teaching. If Mr. Ezell's behavior warranted action, threatening emails sent by Donna Ronzone instead of her use of proscribed procedure for filing a complaint against teaching staff validate Ezell's claim of harassment and discrimination.

Alive and well is KARMA, Ms. Donna Ronzone. For you to do this to another human being who longs to work effectively with our children, probably the only people keeping him going, is purely wrong. Shame on you. If he's getting treatment, just leave him alone to cope with his problems. It's none of your business. Harassment and discrimination of this teacher is the wrong way to handle this situation. You never know when YOU might get depressed and have anxiety. In fact, it sounds like you already do, having to pick on others with bullying antics like this.

Okay, I was there and my kid was directly effected by this situation. So...if you weren't there you shouldn't comment. BTW, Donna Ronzone is a stand up Principal and I'd support her side in this one. Walk a mile in her shoes before you point fingers. Those that complain are those that don't know or support the school in either financial or manpower ways. So get all your facts before you comment. This is a waste of tax payer funds (the lawsuit) and YOU TAXPAYERS had to pay for his salary AND that of a sub the last 2 years while he's off figuring out his life. I"m sorry he's got challenges but in a non-public environment he wouldn't be allowed a second chance,MUCH LESS then sue his boss. He was a non-performer, end of story.

I agree 100% with the last comment!!!! I am sadden by other peoples comments! they have no idea what he put children through! parents, staff and tax payers. Thank God there are principals like Dr. R that still care about children's education. He has had more chances to get his act together! more than children do! when they misbehave! I am parent of Roosevelt students. I have had him as a teacher! I know first hand how he was treated! He has not treated his students or the staff with the degree of respect they deserve! Sorry that he is sick...but don't blame it on other people. Grow up. I am in full support of Dr. R. She will have my vote anytime!!! she is a stand up lady and I respect her judgement!!!, again end of story.

This woman has singlehandedly ruined the healthy learning environment at Roosevelt. There is much more shocking and malign behavior committed by Ronzoni beyond this case. Very brave of Mr. Ezell to have stood up for himself. It's about time somebody did. Yet another reason why California should have more stringent anti-workplace harassment laws.

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." - Albert Einstein

"Okay, I was there and my kid was directly effected by this situation."
-- macnjen

"affected" not "effected" Are you a Roosevelt grad?

Surprising. Dr. Ronzone has made it this far, with the multitude of complaints against her. I have personnaly seen her throwing a tirade at children, while standing on the picnic tables behind the auditorium. Perhaps she suffers from an adult syndrome, or disorder an has taken out her own worries on Mr. Ezell. I also wonder about this comment;

"Thank God there are principals like Dr. R that still care about children's education. He has had more chances to get his act together! more than children do! when they misbehave! I am parent of Roosevelt students. I have had him as a teacher! I know first hand how he was treated! He has not treated his students or the staff with the degree of respect they deserve!"

Was this based on conversations with staff at Roosevelt, and in particular Dr. Ronzone? How do you know first hand how he was treated, did you attend ANY of his reviews?