El Cajon, Calif. — A former high-ranking administrator in the Grossmont Union High School District has initiated a lawsuit against her previous employer, leveling accusations of discrimination based on her sexual orientation. Rose Tagnesi, who served over 28 years in the district and recently held the position of special education director, has brought these allegations to the San Diego Superior Court, claiming hostility and adverse treatment due to her stance against what she describes as the district board’s “anti-LGBTQ agenda.”
Tagnesi’s legal complaint includes accusations that a trustee of the school board referred to her and another female staff member under her supervision derogatorily as “witches” of an “LGBTQ coven.” The trustee, identified as Jim Kelly in the lawsuit, allegedly undermined their professional standing by questioning their credentials and integrity based solely on their sexual orientation and appearance.
Detailing her experience, Tagnesi recounts being advised to maintain a “low profile” to avoid jeopardizing her career advancements within the district. The advice came from a superior who feared board members might block her promotion if her sexual orientation was disclosed. Despite these challenges, Tagnesi was recognized with several promotions and accolades during her tenure, notably receiving the Administrator of the Year in Special Education award from the Association of California School Administrators in 2022.
The legal documents cite instances of professional retaliation, stating that the board deployed an attorney to conduct what Tagnesi terms a “witch hunt” against her and others who did not conform to the “East County values.” This initiative reportedly included attempts to find grounds for dismissal or forced resignation. These allegations are exemplified by a reported text from the hired attorney reading, “one down, one to go,” implying Tagnesi was next in line to be ousted.
Her situation culminated in August 2023 when Tagnesi was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation concerning her conduct and performance—details of which, she claims, were never clarified nor discussed with her directly. She eventually departed from the school district in February, moving on to continue her career in special education with another school system.
Tagnesi shared her emotional distress over the ordeal, conveying the profound personal and professional impact of the alleged discrimination. “After dedicating over three decades to assisting children with disabilities, the way this situation unfolded was not only painful but also deeply traumatic,” she stated.
In response to the allegations, trustee Jim Kelly has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the claims are baseless and expressing confidence that the district would be exonerated once the legal process is thoroughly conducted.
The district itself, through a spokesperson, has opted not to comment on the ongoing lawsuit. This case thus sets a significant precedent regarding how allegations of discrimination, particularly involving sexual orientation within educational institutions, are addressed legally and administratively within the state of California.