Former Marshfield High School Dance Coach's Lawsuit Against the District will Continue
Friday, January 9th, 2015 -- 9:25 AM
-A former Marshfield High School dance team coach who filed a lawsuit against the school district for sexual discrimination will have her case continue.In August of 2013, Lisa Joling was fired four days after her team danced to the edited version of the Robin Thicke song, "Blurred Lines." Joling stated that initially she wasn't given a reason for the firing, but said she found out later it was because her team danced to that song. The complaint that Joling filed with the state Department of Workforce Development stated that male coaches, DJs at school dances and others have played the unedited version of the song and no issues were brought up.
When Joling was fired, former Marshfield Superintendent Peg Geegan issued a statement saying it was "based on appropriate reasons and following district protocols. Personnel matters are confidential, so further information will not be forthcoming from the district."
Joling feels the firing was extreme and uncalled for and an investigator with the Department of Workforce Development found there was probable cause in the case. A hearing is scheduled on January 14th to determine if the district violated the Wisconsin Fair Employment Law when they fired Joling.
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