ROTC instructor sues SJSD over firing

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A former ROTC instructor who was fired in 2024 has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the St. Joseph School District.

Master Sergeant Jamaal Anderson served as an instructor for both Benton and Lafayette High School's JROTC programs. He originally started instructing at Benton and later instructed at Lafayette.

Anderson alleges he was placed on leave on April 29, 2024, was given a letter of suspension and told to not to go on school property. His contract was not renewed for the 24-25 school year.

According to Anderson's lawsuit, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery in March of 2022. The lawsuit contends that Anderson informed the district that there would be times when he would need to leave class to use the restroom or miss work abruptly. The lawsuit states that Anderson was told that SJSD would not accommodate such breaks.

Anderson also alleges he was not permitted to take time off to attend doctor's appointments.

The lawsuit also said Anderson's absences led to poor classroom and extracurricular event ratings by his district supervisors, which eventually led to his suspension.

News-Press NOW did contact SJSD Superintendent Gabe Edgar, who stated, "We are aware of this. However, because it's a personnel matter, we will not comment."

The day after his suspension was announced, students and cadets spoke out against the move.

"This makes all of us mad because he always stands up for what he believes is right and treats everyone with respect,” one student said.

Anderson's lawsuit also referenced an incident at Lafayette that occurred in May 2023. Students allegedly "wrapped" Anderson's car in paper and wrote racial slurs and drew offensive pictures on the paper. Anderson contends the school district should have filed charges against the students but failed to do so.

Although no dollar amount was specified in the suit, Anderson does ask for actual and punitive damages.