The school district fired James Ferriter in 2011 a month after he was informed that his position was being eliminated. Ferriter, who is white, headed up security for the district for two years before his firing. The district agreed to pay Ferriter $174,000 while admitting no wrongdoing.
Ferriter alleged that he faced criticism from "Hispanic board members for hiring non-Hispanic individuals" for security roles, according to his lawsuit. He also alleged that one school board member said the district should "get our own kind," regarding hires.
The school district violated the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and also violated Ferriter's contract by not affording him 60 days notice, according to the suit.