FRESNO, CA, UNITED STATES, JULY 21, 2026
Shegerian Conniff LLP has filed a lawsuit in Fresno County Superior Court on behalf of former Clovis Unified first-grade teacher Jasmine Lee Scott, who alleges her former principal sexually harassed her and that district administrators retaliated against her after she raised concerns about his conduct. The lawsuit names Clovis Unified School District, Principal Brion Warren, and Guidance Specialist Lisa Peterson as defendants and seeks financial compensation and damages.
Scott spent five years working her way up through the district, starting as a campus aide before earning her teaching credential and joining the staff at Century Elementary. According to the complaint, her relationship with Warren changed after he asked her to meet him at a bar in northeast Clovis on May 18, 2023, to discuss her new position. When she arrived at Neighbors Tap and Cook House, Peterson was already there with Warren, and the complaint alleges the two drank at least five drinks over the course of the evening. Warren allegedly told Scott to get used to outings like this one, describing them as routine among Century staff.
The complaint alleges Warren began flirting with Scott soon after she started, commenting often on her appearance and clothing in an inappropriate manner. Scott also describes repeated physical affection between Warren and Peterson at work events, including a November 2023 staff trip to a winery where the complaint says Peterson kissed Warren, rubbed his shoulders, and hugged him from behind in front of colleagues.
According to the lawsuit, Scott’s treatment at work changed once Warren learned through another teacher that she disapproved of his conduct with Peterson. Shortly after Christmas 2023, she was placed on a performance improvement plan and told it was standard practice for first-year teachers. The complaint alleges that claim was false, since other first-year teachers at Century were never placed on similar plans. By March 2024, Scott was called into a meeting with Warren and an area superintendent, where she alleges she was told to resign or risk being barred from future work in the district.
The complaint states that Scott later reported the harassment to an associate superintendent of human resources and a member of the district’s faculty support staff, and that despite promising to look into her complaint, the district never followed up. She also alleges she tried to raise her concerns directly with Warren and Peterson, who agreed to meet with her and then never did.
Heather Conniff, one of Scott’s attorneys, said the case fits a pattern her firm keeps encountering in California school districts. “We are surprised by how much of this continues to happen, especially years after the Me Too movement,” she said. “You would think this kind of behavior would have dissipated and supervisors and employers would know better by now. But it is still happening, otherwise we would not be in business.” Clovis Unified spokesperson Kelly Avants said the district does not comment on ongoing legal matters or personnel issues and that such allegations are investigated.
The complaint includes claims for sexual harassment, retaliation, and discrimination in violation of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, along with constructive discharge. Scott is seeking compensation for damages, lost wages, and benefits.
If you or someone you know is facing workplace harassment or discrimination, contact Shegerian Conniff today.
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SOURCE Shegerian Conniff LLP
Brendan Egan
Shegerian Conniff
