ATLANTA - The Eleventh Circuit issued a significant decision reversing a lower court ruling that dismissed Dr. Sherilonda Green’s race discrimination case against Charlton County Schools. The decision allows Dr. Green’s fight for justice to move forward. Read the decision here. Read the complaint here.
Background
In more than 100 years of its existence, Charlton County Schools has never had a Black female principal or superintendent. Dr. Sherilonda Green grew up in the Charlton County school system and experienced racial discrimination firsthand. She advanced through the ranks, eventually reaching a central office position. However, when she applied for the vacant superintendent position, she was not granted an interview. A white male candidate was hired instead.
Seeking answers about why she was not interviewed despite her qualifications and record of success, Dr. Green filed a request for records related to the application process under Georgia’s Open Records Act. After the district failed to respond, she filed a lawsuit to obtain the records with assistance from GAE’s legal team.
The Open Records Act lawsuit revealed uncomfortable truths. When asked under oath about the district never having had a Black female superintendent in more than 130 years, the school board chairman responded, “That’s the way it is. That’s a fact.” While the testimony is troubling, it provides evidence of a systemic mindset that is relevant in a federal civil rights lawsuit.
After Dr. Green filed a federal lawsuit alleging race discrimination, the district argued that the claims had already been litigated during the earlier Open Records Act case in state court. The 11th Circuit rejected that argument, clarifying that the Open Records Act is a tool used in state court to obtain information that may support claims later brought in federal court. The court found that the race discrimination claims themselves were not litigated in state court.
“After a century of overlooking highly credentialed Black female educators, the district can no longer hide its discriminatory practices,” said Mike McGonigle, GAE general counsel and legal services director.
Dr. Green said, “I can’t fully put into words how much GAE’s support has meant to me. The entire legal team has stood by me every step of the way. You all have truly been my guardian angels, and I am deeply grateful.”
She continued, “The Eleventh Circuit’s decision is a powerful step toward accountability and truth. For too long, qualified Black educators — especially Black women — have been overlooked despite their dedication, qualifications, and achievements. This ruling allows my voice to be heard and the facts to come to light. My hope is not only for justice in my case, but for meaningful change so future generations of students and educators in Charlton County and beyond are judged by their merit, not limited by bias.”
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Contact:
Mike McGonigle, Esq.
678-837-1126
[email protected]
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