BROOKLYN, NY – A longtime New York City school principal’s lawsuit alleging religious discrimination will partially move forward after a federal judge ruled that parts of her case against the Department of Education (DOE) can proceed to trial.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan issued the decision in Gahfi v. New York City Department of Education et al., granting in part and denying in part the defendants’ motion for summary judgment. The plaintiff, Hadar Gahfi, who practices Hasidic Judaism, alleges that DOE officials discriminated against her because of her faith and retaliated against her following a workplace injury.
Gahfi has worked for DOE for more than 25 years, including 15 years as assistant principal of P.S. 191 in Brooklyn’s District 17. In 2018, she was promoted to principal and began a mandatory probationary period under New York education law. During her tenure, Gahfi claims that DOE failed to replace her former assistant principal position, leaving her without necessary administrative support.
The dispute escalated after Gahfi sustained an injury at work and later applied for paid leave under the city’s Line of Duty Injury (LODI) policy. Community Superintendent Shenean Lindsay, a named defendant, denied the request, citing Gahfi’s failure to report the injury within 24 hours as required by policy. Instead, Gahfi was placed on unpaid leave and forced to use hundreds of accrued vacation days to maintain her salary.
While on leave, Gahfi received two letters from Lindsay extending her probationary period by one year, citing concerns about her leadership effectiveness. Gahfi contends that these actions were discriminatory and retaliatory, linked to her religious identity and medical condition.
Judge Cogan previously dismissed some of Gahfi’s claims, including her federal hostile work environment and state retaliation allegations. However, in the latest ruling, he found that sufficient factual disputes remain for a jury to consider on certain discrimination and retaliation counts under federal and state civil rights laws.
Key Points: Brooklyn judge allows Hasidic school principal’s discrimination case to proceed against NYC Department of Education – Brooklyn
- Judge Brian M. Cogan ruled that parts of Hadar Gahfi’s discrimination lawsuit against the NYC DOE may proceed.
- Gahfi, a Hasidic Jewish principal, claims she faced religious bias and retaliation following a work-related injury.
- DOE and Superintendent Shenean Lindsay deny wrongdoing, but factual disputes prevent full dismissal of the case.