JERSEY CITY, N.J. — A civil jury in Hudson County has awarded $125,000 in punitive damages to a former Jersey City Public Schools employee after finding that the Jersey City Board of Education retaliated against her for whistleblowing. The ruling came after a trial that lasted two weeks, culminating in a verdict delivered on Tuesday.
The jury’s decision follows an earlier award of $120,000 in compensatory damages granted to Sabrina Harrold, the former assistant director of human resources for the district. Following the jury’s deliberations, Judge Kalimah Ahmad concluded the trial and dismissed the jurors. Harrold’s attorney intends to seek an application for attorney fees from the Board of Education and to formally ask for Harrold’s reinstatement.
JCPS Superintendent Norma Fernandez expressed her disagreement with the jury’s verdict, stating that the district is considering an appeal. Harrold’s attorney, Drake Bearden Jr., noted that the jury’s message was significant, reflecting a need for cultural change within the school system. Harrold herself expressed satisfaction with the outcome and hopes it will prompt the district to address its workplace environment and hold leadership accountable.
The jury found that Harrold had proven her case under New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act, which safeguards employees from retaliation after reporting perceived unlawful actions. Bearden mentioned that Harrold can file for reinstatement if the jury’s claims of retaliation are upheld, leaving the final decision in the hands of Judge Ahmad.
The verdict hinged on the jury’s determination that the April 2022 vote by the Board of Education not to renew Harrold’s one-year contract represented retaliatory action for her complaints regarding JCPS Director of Human Resources Edwin Rivera. Harrold testified that Rivera’s actions included retaliation against other staff and interfering with affirmative action investigations.
In his defense, Rivera denied the allegations made by Harrold. Trustee Velazquez, a member of the school board at the time of the vote, testified that her decision was motivated by concerns over Harrold’s performance rather than her complaint about Rivera.
Two jurors, who chose to remain anonymous, mentioned that the decision-making process was complex due to the compelling arguments made by both sides during the trial. One juror indicated that they ultimately sided with the plaintiff based on actions during the proceedings that were deemed unjust.
Another juror noted that determining the appropriate amount for compensatory and punitive damages was challenging, as opinions within the jury fluctuated, requiring compromise to reach a final figure.
This case highlights ongoing issues within the district, as well as the broader implications of whistleblower protections in workplaces.
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