Schools

East Quogue Age and Gender Discrimination Lawsuit Thrown Out

Former gym teacher Linda DiCapua's suit was dismissed by a federal judge.

A multi-million dollar, age and gender discrimination lawsuit filed by an ex-gym teacher of the East Quogue Elementary School has been thrown out by a federal judge, according to a report on 27east.

The 27-east article reports that Les Black, superintendent of the school, made the announcement at the district's last school board meeting, saying he was "pleased with the outcome."

In the suit, 11-year, part-time East Quogue gym teacher Linda DiCapua claimed that two years ago Black passed her up for a full-time gym teacher position, instead hiring a recent college graduate, Keith Greene from Brentwood, who had just graduated from Cortland.

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Green, however, was never hired, according to Black. 

"He never worked for the school district, he did not pass the second part of the New York State teacher exam," said Black, who said that instead another candidate was hired instead.

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In an e-mail to Westhampton-Hampton Bays Patch.com just before the suit hit the court room, DiCaputa said she had high-hopes for winning the suit, which commenced on Nov. 28. And while her suit did not discuss nepotism, she has accused Black of such, stating that Greene's mother worked for Black when he was the superintendent of Brentwood schools.

Black has denied the accusation, saying that applicants are only hired after they are screened by a committee made up of teachers and the school's principal. He also stated the the school has hired teachers in their 50's thus, disproving DiCaputa's age discrimination claim.

DiCapua has since stated that she wishes the two current school gym teachers well.

"At this time East Quogue has two good physical eduation teachers and I am sure the program will be successful and I wish the best for the students and the new teachers."

To read the full article on 27east, click here.


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