Sacramento City USD Settles with High School Assistant Principal Over Racism Allegations

An independent investigation concluded that although racial slurs had been directed at Dr. Elysse Versher, the district’s administrative response was appropriate.
Published: January 31, 2025

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) announced on January 23 that it had reached a settlement in a lawsuit filed by Dr. Elysse Versher, a former assistant principal at West Campus High School over allegations of racism, harassment, and workplace retaliation.

Versher’s complaint included accusations that she was subjected to ongoing racial insults, exclusionary practices, and gender-based discrimination.

Related Article: The Best and Worst States for Racial Equality in Education

Some of the incidents highlighted in the lawsuit were:

  • Racist Graffiti: In November 2021, Versher reported several instances of racist graffiti, including the repeated use of racial slurs near her assigned parking space, reports ABC10.
  • Threatening Online Behavior: Students allegedly created and shared derogatory content about Versher and her family on social media, referring to her with terms like “Black Hitler.” One parent suggested she was appointed to her position through affirmative action.
  • Discrimination and Retaliation: Versher alleged that her complaints about these incidents were dismissed and that no adequate action was taken to ensure her safety or address the issues. She also alleged she was retaliated against when she spoke out about the harassment.

The lawsuit accused the district and West Campus High School Principal John McMeekin of failing to protect her from a hostile work environment, tolerating systemic failures to discipline offenders, and inadequately addressing policies around racial equity.

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Independent Investigation Found that SCUSD Responded Appropriately to Allegations

In response to the allegations, SCUSD contracted an independent investigator. While the investigation confirmed in May 2022 that racial slurs were directed at Versher, it ultimately concluded that the district’s administrative response was appropriate. No individuals were identified as being responsible for the graffiti or online harassment, and Sacramento police closed their investigation, citing a lack of clear evidence pointing to specific offenders.

However, in response to Versher’s claims, SCUSD hired attorney Mark Harris as its diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility monitor, reports KCRA.

According to a press release from SCUSD, key terms of the agreement include:

  • No Admission of Wrongdoing: SCUSD did not admit to any misconduct or liability regarding Versher’s claims.
  • No Direct Compensation: Versher did not receive any payment from the settlement. The district only reimbursed $17,500 to her attorneys to cover specific litigation costs—clarifying that this was not a payment for legal fees.

Versher agreed to:

  • Release all claims against the district.
  • Cooperate in removing online posts, podcasts, and other content where she described her allegations and experience at West Campus High School.
  • No longer seek employment within the district.
  • Update her online resume to remove references to a master’s degree she had previously claimed but did not possess.

“Sac City Unified feels vindicated by this outcome as it closes a painful and deeply regrettable chapter in our history,” said Lisa Allen, Superintendent. “I’m hopeful this brings needed closure for the West Campus community and restores the reputation of its exceptional principal John McMeekin,” Allen said.

“This is an example of a rush to judgment by some members of our community based solely on several unfounded allegations by Dr. Versher,” said Mark Harris, SCUSD’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Monitor. “With the withdrawal of the lawsuit by Dr. Versher, I am happy to see the removal of the threat to the professional reputations of educators both at West Campus and the Sacramento City Unified School District. After an exhaustive process of investigation that has not supported Dr. Versher’s original account of events, it is time for all of us to move forward and focus on ensuring our students and their families receive the  commitment to academic excellence they deserve.”

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