A New Jersey school administrator claimed he was passed over for promotion 45 times because he was white.
Thomas F. Franco, 58, filed a lawsuit against the Paterson School District alleging racial discrimination.
The lawsuit, filed last month, alleges that he was denied administrative positions solely because of the color of his skin.
Franco, currently employed as a careers counselor at Paterson’s International High School on a salary of $82,500, was hired in 2016.
He states that he has applied for more than 45 positions at Paterson Public Schools but has only been called once for an interview.
Thomas F. Franco, 58, claims that the Paterson School District in New Jersey has repeatedly denied him administrative posts simply because of the color of his skin
The lawsuit, filed in Passaic Superior Court, states: “Almost all administrative-level positions within the PPS.” [Paterson Public Schools]”More than 95% is owned by Black and Hispanic individuals.”
Additionally, Franco says that “most of the people” who ended up getting the roles were “less experienced” than him and didn’t have his academic credentials.
“While I applaud the fact that the district employs many minorities to serve its largely minority students, the district should not prevent the promotion of highly qualified individuals who may not be minority,” Franco’s attorney Evan Goldman said for the New York Post.
‘Mister. Franco’s potential promotion will only serve to enhance the experience of all students in the district.”
Goldman also stated that he believed Franco’s promotion would improve the educational experience of all students in the district.
Franco is currently employed as a careers counselor at Paterson’s International High School (pictured) with a salary of $82,500. He was hired in 2016 but has applied for 45 positions during that time
Francos LinkedIn Page states that he holds two master’s degrees from St. Peter’s University and Rutgers University and a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology, also from Rutgers.
Franco is demanding reimbursement and future pay that he would have received had he been hired for an administrative position
The lawsuit alleges that the district has always prioritized the advancement opportunities of minority candidates over white applicants.
“Franco has extensive experience in administrative roles before joining PPS. “He is certified as a principal, supervisor, principal and school administrator,” the lawsuit reads.
“During his tenure at PPS, Mr. Franco consistently received performance evaluations that rated him as either ‘very effective’ or ‘effective,’” the lawsuit reads.
