Ex-Principal Files Suit Against District, Board

A former principal at Inglewood High School has filed a lawsuit against the school district, the superintendent and three board members, alleging that the parties harassed, defamed and retaliated against him and violated his right to due process.

Kenneth Crowe, 45, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this month alleging that the district ignored state laws when it wrongfully removed him from his post at Inglewood High and made him a principal on special assignment. He is seeking more than $7 million in punitive damages.

Crowe’s suit alleges that Supt. McKinley Nash did not properly evaluate him or give him a hearing to dispute the job transfer. The suit alleges that board members were aware that Nash was violating the law and did not intervene on his behalf. It also alleges that they defamed his reputation by referring to the job change as a demotion, not a transfer.

Crowe was reportedly being considered as a replacement for the superintendent when former school board members fired Nash last April. A newly seated board brought Nash back in June and shortly thereafter Crowe was reassigned. He has been on medical leave since October.

“Dr. Crowe has been ignored and treated improperly and as time has passed, the district’s actions have become more indefensible,” said Mansfield Collins, the attorney representing Crowe. “This pattern of misconduct has left my client with no other choice.”

Rickey Ivey, an attorney representing the school district, said he had not seen the case yet and could not comment.