SCRANTON — A high school teacher is suing Scranton School District and Alexis Kirijan, a school administrator, citing an alleged violation of civil rights.
Steve Bartnicki filed a complaint on Sept. 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against the defendants, alleging they violated the First Amendment to the Consitution.
According to the complaint, in late 2017 and early 2018 the plaintiff, who was an active volunteer in the community, criticized the school administration, specifically alleging corruption and malfeasance of defendant Kirijan.
The plaintiff alleges that as a result of defendant's conduct, he has suffered loss of additional income, emotional distress and mental anxiety. The plaintiff holds Scranton School District and Alexis Kirijan responsible because the defendants allegedly retaliated against him for his vocal criticism and union activity by denying him the opportunity to teach the honors class and to coach soccer.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks an order for defendant to cease their retaliatory actions; installment of the soccer coaching position and the teaching of the honor class; and award for compensatory and punitive damages, attorney's fees, costs and interest. He is represented by Cynthia Pollick of The Employment Law Firm in Pittston.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Case No. 3:18-cv-01725-MEM.