LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, APRIL 15, 2026
Shegerian Conniff LLP has filed a lawsuit on behalf of former STAR Sports Theatre Arts & Recreation, Inc. employees Joel Wright and Brandon Cortes, who allege they were subjected to whistleblower retaliation, wrongful termination, and hostile treatment after raising concerns regarding workplace conduct, mandated reporting practices, and student safety at Fairburn Avenue Elementary School.
Wright and Cortes were both hired in September 2025 as After-School Site Staff members at STAR Sports Theatre Arts & Recreation, Inc., where their responsibilities included supervising elementary school students, assisting with structured recreational and academic programming, and ensuring student safety at assigned school sites, including Fairburn Avenue Elementary School.
According to the complaint, Wright and Cortes observed and raised concerns regarding supervisory staff conduct and student safety practices during their employment. Both allege they reported issues internally involving inappropriate workplace behavior, failures to follow mandated reporting protocols, and broader concerns about student supervision and safety.
The filing states that Wright and Cortes participated in internal meetings with STAR staff and the Fairburn Avenue Elementary School administration, including Site Supervisor Claire Rodriguez and Principal Suzanne Patterson-Jones, during which concerns regarding workplace conduct and reporting procedures were discussed. The complaint alleges that during these discussions, administrators acknowledged concerns regarding mandated reporting requirements, reporting timelines, and student safety protocols.
According to the lawsuit, Wright and Cortes escalated concerns regarding potential misconduct and reporting failures through internal channels and to outside authorities. The complaint alleges that following these protected whistleblowing activities, both employees experienced increasing hostility at work, closer monitoring, and retaliation.
Wright alleges that he was placed on paid administrative leave in November 2025 and then terminated shortly after. Cortes similarly alleges that he was placed on paid administrative leave in November 2025 and later terminated. The complaint alleges that STAR’s stated reasons for termination were not the real reasons, and that both employees were fired in retaliation for reporting concerns protected under California Labor Code 1102.5.
The complaint includes claims for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention; violation of Labor Code 1102.5; wrongful termination in violation of public policy; and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Wright and Cortes are seeking compensatory damages, emotional distress damages, lost wages and benefits, and punitive damages.
“This case underscores the importance of protecting employees who report concerns related to workplace misconduct and student safety,” said a representative of Shegerian Conniff LLP.
This case was filed in Los Angeles County under case numbers 26STCV06961 and 26STCV06954.
If you or someone you know is facing workplace harassment or discrimination, contact Shegerian Conniff today.
Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact Brendan Egan at info@SimpleSEOGroup.com
SOURCE Shegerian Conniff LLP
Brendan Egan
Shegerian Conniff
