St. Joseph HS Seeks Religious Exemption in Lawsuit Over Alleged Grade Fixing for Athletes

St. Joseph High School officials have requested the dismissal of a whistleblower lawsuit filed by former registrar Connie Plata, who alleges grade fixing for college-bound athletes. The school argues that California law, specifically the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), does not apply to their private religious organization, seeking exemption as a nonprofit religious association. The school’s principal, Erinn Dougherty, and athletic director, Thomas Mott, have filed an affidavit in the Superior Court of Santa Maria supporting this claim.

In their motion for a demurrer, SJHS contends that the lawsuit lacks clarity and specificity, describing it as “uncertain, ambiguous, and unintelligible.” They argue that Plata’s third amended complaint fails to clearly assign responsibility for the alleged wrongdoings among the defendants. Plata initially filed her lawsuit in January 2024, naming SJHS, Dougherty, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Education and Welfare Corporation as defendants, later adding Mott to the list.

The case was briefly moved to Los Angeles federal court before being remanded back to the Superior Court in late December. Plata’s allegations include claims that her duties were reduced after she reported to Archdiocese officials that Dougherty and Mott coerced teachers and other employees to alter grades for multiple students, including student-athletes and Dougherty’s daughter. She recounted an incident in the Fall 2023 semester where Dougherty was heard angrily confronting a religious studies teacher over a grade change for her daughter.

This case underscores the complex interplay between legal accountability and religious exemptions, highlighting the challenges in ensuring transparency and integrity within educational institutions. As the legal proceedings continue, the community watches closely, seeking justice and accountability in line with principles of truth and fairness. In the spirit of Micah 6:8, the pursuit of justice and mercy remains paramount, emphasizing the importance of acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with integrity.

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