Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — A former Assistant Principal of Northwest Elementary School has filed a lawsuit against Northwest Community Schools alleging the district discriminated against her based on her sex by giving her instructions on improving her demeanor that were not applied to male coworkers in similar job positions.
Ashley Moore, who was hired by the district in August of 2023 and resigned in June of 2025, filed the lawsuit on Monday (September 28) which also claims that a negative reference from the district cost her a potential job at another educational institution after the district told her to either resign or have her contract ended.
Moore claims the district’s actions regarding her employment took place after other staff were surveyed about her general warmth in the workplace.
Northwest Community Schools denies any and all allegations of wrongdoing in a statement from their legal counsel that says the district will vigorously defend against any claim that it acted in a discriminatory way, and that the lawsuit only captures one side of the story.
The district’s full response can be read below:
“We are aware of the lawsuit and strongly dispute the allegations contained in the complaint. The allegations in a lawsuit represent only one side of the story, and there are important facts and circumstances that are not reflected in the complaint. The District denies that it engaged in discrimination or other unlawful conduct and intends to vigorously defend against the claims. Because this matter is now the subject of pending litigation, it would be inappropriate to address the allegations in greater detail outside of the legal process. The District will refrain from further comment at this time and will allow the facts and evidence to be presented through the appropriate legal proceedings.”
Moore is asking for compensation for lost wages, benefits, and other damages in the lawsuit. The complaint also requests a trial by jury.
