Teacher at Catholic school sued over video of alleged physical discipline of student

GRETNA – Plaintiff Brenda Jones claims she was wrongfully terminated as a Catholic school teacher in a suit filed suit against Jill Grabert, Jan Lancaster, St. Cletus Catholic School, The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 19.

Jones alleges that she taught at St. Cletus Catholic School for 23 years before she was terminated from their employment. The plaintiff claims that she was an effective teacher and loved and respected by students, but was accused of using physical discipline by the school district on one of her students at the end of the 2012-2013 school year. Jones asserts that her interaction with the student was purely playful and that the student's mother later wrote to the school’s administration in her support saying “my son does not feel this was a malicious attempt.”

Athough the administration viewed a video of the purported indiscretion, the plaintiff alleges she was never given the chance to view the video or explain her actions before being dismissed from her job.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for full salary, coaching stipend and defamation of character.

Jones is represented by attorney Willie M. Zanders of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division E Judge John J. Molaison Jr.

Case no. 733-050.