NEW ALBANY, Ind. — A federal judge has postponed a settlement conference and pushed back the trial date for a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination and retaliation by the Seymour Community School Corp. Former Seymour High School Assistant Principal Catherine DuBois claims she faced unfair treatment following her attempt to aid a distressed employee.
The case, unfolding in the U.S. District Court in New Albany, centers on DuBois, whose contract was not renewed by the school district after an incident in 2022 where she intervened on behalf of an instructional aide experiencing an emotional crisis. DuBois alleges the aide displayed potential suicidal behaviors following a breakup. The complaint by DuBois seeks financial compensation and reinstatement at the district.
In court, the school corporation has refuted claims that DuBois was terminated based on gender discrimination or retaliation. The delay in proceedings was agreed upon by both parties, primarily due to the unavailability of DuBois’ lawyer, who is attending to a seriously ill parent.
Magistrate Judge Kellie M. Barr approved moving the trial date to July 23, 2025, and vacating the preliminary settlement conference initially set for July 9 of this year.
According to court documents, DuBois attempted to ensure the safety of the instructional aide by removing and securing potentially harmful items from her home and consulting her supervisor, who was unavailable due to illness. The school’s version, however, contends that DuBois did not immediately inform her superiors of the situation or secure the items appropriately, claiming that the assistant principal stored them insecurely in a minivan parked on school grounds.
The disagreement led to an investigation by the school district which resulted in DuBois being placed on administrative leave, followed by the non-renewal of her contract.
Attorneys for the school corporation insisted that DuBois had the opportunity to resign, similar to past instances involving male staff under investigation. They highlighted the case of a former wrestling coach accused of an inappropriate relationship with a student, who was allowed to resign after his allegations were initially found to be unsubstantiated. However, the case re-emerged when the student gave birth, leading to a paternity test confirming the relationship. The coach subsequently pleaded guilty to a related felony charge.
DuBois’s lawsuit emphasizes this perceived disparity, pointing to several male colleagues who faced misconduct allegations but were purportedly treated more leniently by the district.
This legal battle not only highlights the complexities surrounding internal school policies and legal compliance but also raises significant questions about gender portrayal and equality in disciplinary actions within educational institutions. As the trial date approaches, further scrutiny and deliberations are expected, which could prompt wider debates on policies and practices in school settings.
The case continues to develop, and neither party has set a date for the postponed settlement conference.