SCUSD Settles Versher Lawsuit With No Direct Payment to Plaintiff

Sacramento, CA - The Sacramento City Unified School District announced a settlement in the lawsuit brought by former employee Dr. Elysse Versher in June 2022. Versher alleged she was subjected to multiple forms of racism, harassment and retaliation during her employment as Assistant Principal at West Campus High School.

As part of the agreement, the District admits no wrongdoing and will issue no financial payment directly to Versher. Instead, only the attorneys representing Versher will be reimbursed $17,500 for specific costs incurred during more than two years of litigation. It is not a payment for legal fees.

Additionally, the agreement calls for Versher to:

• Release all claims against the District.
• Cooperate in the removal of online posts and podcasts in which she describes alleged harassment at West Campus.
• No longer seek future employment with SCUSD.
• Update her online education resume to remove references to a Master's Degree that she does not possess.

"Sac City Unified feels vindicated by this outcome as it closes a painful and deeply regrettable chapter in our history," said Lisa Allen, Superintendent. "I'm hopeful this brings needed closure for the West Campus community and restores the reputation of its exceptional principal John McMeekin," Allen said.

"This is an example of a rush to judgment by some members of our community based solely on several unfounded allegations by Dr. Versher," said Mark Harris, SCUSD's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Monitor. "With the withdrawal of the lawsuit by Dr. Versher, I am happy to see the removal of the threat to the professional reputations of educators both at West Campus and the Sacramento City Unified School District. After an exhaustive process of investigation that has not supported Dr. Versher's original account of events, it is time for all of us to move forward and focus on ensuring our students and their families receive the commitment to academic excellence they deserve," Harris added.

Sacramento City Unified considers the matter involving West Campus closed. The District wishes to thank Sacramento Police for their time and resources committed to investigating any alleged crimes.