A long-serving educator has filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and wrongful termination by her employer, a school board in Louisiana. On February 13, 2025, Nicole Armand lodged her complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against the St. Landry Parish School Board and its Superintendent, Patrick D. Jenkins.
Nicole Armand, who dedicated nearly three decades to North Central High School under the St. Landry Parish School Board, claims she was unjustly demoted and subjected to discrimination based on race, age, gender, and disability. The events leading to her legal action began on January 21, 2023, when she confiscated prohibited items from a student during a basketball game. Despite acting responsibly by disposing of illegal substances with Deputy Carriere's knowledge, she faced accusations of mishandling the situation from Principal Esrom Pitre two days later. During this confrontation, Pitre allegedly verbally abused Armand and even spat on her.
Armand's attempts to address these grievances through formal complaints with Human Resources were unfruitful. A meeting with Superintendent Jenkins on July 21, 2023, which she hoped would clear her name and hold Pitre accountable for his actions, instead resulted in further disciplinary action against her. Armand alleges that Pitre made discriminatory remarks about wanting an "all-black male staff" and referred to her derogatorily due to her race and gender.
The lawsuit cites violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act concerning race and gender discrimination and references the Age Discrimination in Employment Act due to Armand being over 40 years old at the time of these incidents. Additionally, it accuses Pitre of failing to accommodate Armand's bipolar disorder as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint seeks damages for mental anguish, lost wages, medical expenses, and other related costs due to wrongful demotion and retaliation.
Armand is represented by attorney Elizabeth A.B. Goree from Kevin A. Adamson PC law firm. The case is identified as Case No.: 6:25-cv-186 in front of Judge Milton Batiste II.