Former Brainerd High School assistant principal Joshuah Barber is suing Hamilton County Schools, claiming he was treated unfairly because he is black.

Mr. Barber was suspended without pay for about eight months last year after allegedly using pepper spray to break up a fight at the school. After reaching a settlement with the school system, Mr. Barber was demoted to a teaching position and given back pay.

In the suit, filed in federal court this week, Mr. Barber’s attorney, Robin Flores, claims several white coaches working for the school system assaulted and used racially inflammatory language toward students, but were not demoted.

“(The Hamilton County Department of Education) discriminated against (Mr. Barber) based upon his race as shown by the unequal treatment of (Mr. Barber) when compared to the two white coaches, thereby subjecting (Mr. Barber) to unfair terms and conditions of employment,” the lawsuit states.

Mr. Barber is asking for $600,000 in damages.

For complete details see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press

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