TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A Florida teacher who suffered a stroke reached an agreement quickly after suing her former employer regarding an argument with a student that was recorded.
Tamika Jenkins filed a lawsuit June 5 against the Leon County School Board in Leon County Circuit Court. The case alleged disability discrimination under the Florida Civil Rights Act.
Jenkins claimed she was wrongfully terminated from her teaching position on March 22, 2023, due to her disability following a stroke. Despite her strong work performance and compliance with medical leave protocols, Jenkins asserts she faced disparate treatment and retaliation from school officials Benny Bolden and Deana McAllister.
Specifically, a run-in with a sixth-grader on March 6, 2023, led to her termination. She says she asked him to do his work and he told her he didn't give a "f---."
The student later apologized after Jenkins told him she was going to call his parents, the suit says. The student's cousin recorded the incident and his mother called news stations and the Florida Department of Children and Families, it adds.
The video was posted to Facebook. DCF found no wrongdoing, the suit says, but the Department of Education started an investigation on March 21, 2023. She was fired the next day.
Bolden, the principal at R. Frank Nims Middle School, said he never recommended termination of Jenkins.
"To date, I am not aware of any retaliation given to Mrs. Jenkins during or after her time with me," he said.
Marie Mattox represented the plaintiff and said the case has ended.
"The matter between the parties has been resolved and a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal of this lawsuit has been filed," a press release says.