Discrimination suit against JCPS dismissed

Superintendent refuses to comment on case

A judge officially dismissed Laura Cooper's discrimination lawsuit against Jefferson City Public Schools.

The dismissal was filed electronically Thursday on the Cole County Circuit Court website, just one day after both attorneys filed a joint dismissal with terms the case cannot be reopened or refiled, and both parties have agreed to pay their own attorney's fees.

In 2014, Laura Cooper, a former Jefferson City High School English teacher, filed an age and gender discrimination lawsuit against the district, alleging she was subjected to discrimination and harassment by the school's administrators.

She said in her original petition to the court she was "obligated to work in an environment that was hostile to female employees."

The first discrimination case against the district was won by Karen Ray, former high school journalism teacher, and she was awarded $235,000 in damages plus attorney's fees.

Cooper took the stand during Ray's trial in May and recounted instances when she felt fearful or intimidated by high school administration and heard Jeff Dodson, former high school principal, make several remarks about needing to "get rid of" the older teachers.

Superintendent Larry Linthacum said he could not provide any comment about the litigation or whether the lawsuit was settled. Christopher Rackers, attorney for JCPS, could not be reached for comment.

"We look forward to working with our staff to fulfill our district mission of giving kids hope for a better tomorrow while helping them reach their potential," Linthacum said, as his only response to the lawsuit outcome. "We will work to build upon our traditions of pride through excellence while focusing on the learning process, our workplace climate, culture and student behaviors."

An attempt to reach Cooper's lead attorney, Dennis Egan, was unsuccessful Thursday afternoon.