MARSHALL — A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Marshall Middle School principal Mary Kay Thomas against the Marshall School Board. U.S. District Court Judge Patrick J. Schiltz ruled in favor of Marshall Public Schools (MPS) and the school board, dismissing Thomas’s claims of discrimination and workplace retaliation.
Thomas sued the district in 2021, alleging violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, federal anti-discrimination laws, and the U.S. Constitution. She also claimed she was subjected to sexual harassment by a school board member and former principal. The lawsuit stemmed, in part, from her refusal to remove an LGBTQ+ pride flag displayed at the middle school and her support for a student gay-straight alliance.
In his ruling, Judge Schiltz determined that Thomas’s claims did not fall under Title VII or Title IX protections, which address discrimination based on factors such as race, sex, and national origin. The judge also found that Thomas did not face retaliation for exercising her First Amendment rights. The claims were dismissed with prejudice, making the dismissal final, while other claims were dismissed without prejudice.
Although the lawsuit has been dismissed, Thomas retains the option to file claims in state court or appeal the ruling. MPS Superintendent Williams intends to continue to focus on student achievement saying in a press release, “I am proud to serve this district, where we honor and support each and every student, ensuring they have the opportunity to learn and grow in a positive environment.”
Thomas was reassigned to a new administrative role at MPS in 2021, and her employment status remains unchanged following the court ruling.
