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http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/NEWS/61220035
December 20, 2006
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Chastain Middle School principal's letter of termination
PDF file: Complaint filed with EEOC
PDF file: Jackson Public Schools? response to complaint
PDF file: Dr. Earl Watkins? response to allegations
Audio: Michael Ellis discusses his claim against Jackson Superintendent Earl Watkins
Jackson principal fired, claims sexual harassment by ed chief
By Chris Joyner
chris.joyner@jackson.gannett.com
The Clarion-Ledger
Chastain Middle School Principal Michael Ellis has been fired by Jackson Public Schools.
Ellis? termination comes after he and his wife, an assistant principal in the district, made claims that Ellis was sexually harassed by Superintendent Earl Watkins over the course of several months this year.
Ellis, whose wife is Wilkins Elementary School Assistant Principal Rachel Ellis, claims that, beginning in March, Watkins made overt sexual advances, repeatedly calling and text messaging him.
In a public statement, Watkins labeled the charges ?patently false.?
?I intend to fight back by appropriate legal action, not only by defending myself from false charge, also by bringing a lawsuit for defamation,? he said.
Ellis said he reported the behavior to Assistant Superintendent for Middle Schools Randy Bernamonti, but was told in October he could avoid retaliation if he drop the complaint. After refusing to drop the matter, Ellis said he was informed he was being targeted for a school audit.
A statement issued by JPS law firm Balch & Bingham claims Ellis was ?in serious jeopardy due to his poor job performance? and the discrimination claim is a ?legal tactic in an attempt to save his job.?
The Ellises filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission on Nov. 14 alleging sexual discrimination and a hostile work environment. Rachel Ellis claims she was passed over for promotion because he husband refused Watkins? advances.
December 20, 2006
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Items:
Chastain Middle School principal's letter of termination
PDF file: Complaint filed with EEOC
PDF file: Jackson Public Schools? response to complaint
PDF file: Dr. Earl Watkins? response to allegations
Audio: Michael Ellis discusses his claim against Jackson Superintendent Earl Watkins
Jackson principal fired, claims sexual harassment by ed chief
By Chris Joyner
chris.joyner@jackson.gannett.com
The Clarion-Ledger
Chastain Middle School Principal Michael Ellis has been fired by Jackson Public Schools.
Ellis? termination comes after he and his wife, an assistant principal in the district, made claims that Ellis was sexually harassed by Superintendent Earl Watkins over the course of several months this year.
Ellis, whose wife is Wilkins Elementary School Assistant Principal Rachel Ellis, claims that, beginning in March, Watkins made overt sexual advances, repeatedly calling and text messaging him.
In a public statement, Watkins labeled the charges ?patently false.?
?I intend to fight back by appropriate legal action, not only by defending myself from false charge, also by bringing a lawsuit for defamation,? he said.
Ellis said he reported the behavior to Assistant Superintendent for Middle Schools Randy Bernamonti, but was told in October he could avoid retaliation if he drop the complaint. After refusing to drop the matter, Ellis said he was informed he was being targeted for a school audit.
A statement issued by JPS law firm Balch & Bingham claims Ellis was ?in serious jeopardy due to his poor job performance? and the discrimination claim is a ?legal tactic in an attempt to save his job.?
The Ellises filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission on Nov. 14 alleging sexual discrimination and a hostile work environment. Rachel Ellis claims she was passed over for promotion because he husband refused Watkins? advances.