A history teacher from Beverly Hills, who spent three decades imparting knowledge, found herself experiencing severe distress after losing her job. The turmoil came in the wake of a Facebook post criticizing pro-Trump rhetoric following a Make America Great Again rally held at her school. This firing resulted in panic attacks, feelings of nausea, and physical tremors, as detailed in a recent lawsuit.
Joanie Garratt, an accomplished educator and Harvard alumna, was dismissed just days after the 2024 election. The termination was attributed to her social media post that lambasted Trump supporters celebrating their victory at the high school, according to legal documents.
During the rally, students adorned in MAGA hats and Trump-themed attire proudly waved flags. However, the event was marred by allegations that some individuals directed racial slurs at the Black Student Union, uttering inflammatory statements such as “deport all Mexicans.” These claims are a part of the lawsuit filed and reviewed by the California Post.
In response, Garratt took to social media to denounce what she described as “bullying,” accusing the students of “harassing & intimidating” their peers. She further attributed this behavior to what she termed the influence of “His Majesty, King Trump.”
Joanie Garratt’s dismissal came on November 13, 2024, when Mathew Horvath, the assistant superintendent, informed her that her return to the classroom was unwelcome. The decision, Horvath explained, was directly tied to her controversial Facebook post, as outlined in her lawsuit.
Garratt claims the firing caused severe emotional distress, sleeplessness, nausea, weight loss, tremors, humiliation and “irreparable harm to her reputation.”
The suit cites BHUSD policy stating employees cannot be disciplined for personal beliefs or activities unless they violate the law or district rules.
Garratt, who filed a wrongful termination claim shortly after her firing, is seeking general and special damages and is represented by attorney V. James DeSimone.
“Joanie’s post, which criticized harassment at the rally and attributed student conduct to political rhetoric whipped up as part of Donald Trump’s re-election strategy, is constitutionally protected speech,” DeSimone told The Post.
The Beverly Hills High School Unified School District was contacted by The Post for comment.