PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The former principal of Philadelphia High School for Girls is suing the school district, claiming racial discrimination.
The federal lawsuit stems from the 2023 Girls High graduation ceremony. Former principal Lisa Mesi, who is white, withheld the diplomas of three Black students, because they celebrated on stage during the ceremony, violating the school's longtime tradition of acceptable behavior during the sedate ceremony.
District officials criticized Mesi's decision as "insensitive to Black culture."
Mesi said she was merely maintaining the tradition of the school’s previous principals, who were Black.
The suit says the district pressured Mesi to hold a press conference to apologize, and after Mesi refused, she was removed as principal of the prestigious school and reassigned to a central office "special assignment" desk job.
The suit, filed Wednesday, seeks damages for harm to her reputation and a loss of earnings. The district isn't commenting on the litigation.