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Press Release

Federal District Court Hands Former APS Employee a Win in Anti-Retaliation Suit

In an anti-retaliation lawsuit filed by the legal services department of the Georgia Association of Educators on behalf of its member Camalyn Turner, a former special assistant to the superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, federal Judge Amy Totenberg issued a ruling denying the defendants qualified immunity.
Published: April 30, 2026

ATLANTA - In an anti-retaliation lawsuit filed by the legal services department of the Georgia Association of Educators on behalf of its member Camalyn Turner, a former special assistant to the superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, federal Judge Amy Totenberg issued a ruling denying the defendants qualified immunity. The ruling means the defendants could be held personally liable for violating Turner’s rights under federal and state anti-retaliation laws. Camalyn Turner v. Atlanta Independent School System, et al., Case 1:24-cv-03781-AT. 


“The district lost its immunity claims because it knowingly violated Ms. Turner’s rights. It cannot hide its discrimination behind qualified immunity,” said Mike McGonigle, general counsel and legal services director for the Georgia Association of Educators.


Turner said, "I am very pleased with the court's decision.  I believe my termination was retaliation - plain and simple, and the school district knew they could not do that.  I look forward to getting this case to trial where the truth can be heard."


Judge Totenberg’s decision is under appeal.


For more details, you can read the decision here and the Amended Complaint here.


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Contact:
Craig Goodmark, GAE Network Attorney
[email protected]
404-668-3798 (mobile)

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The Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) is Georgia's preeminent professional association for public school employees. We are a member-led organization supporting students and educators in Georgia's public schools through grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and legal action.