Arkansas School District Settles Suit With Ex-Teacher

The Springdale School District says it’s settling a lawsuit filed by a former teacher who accused the Arkansas school district of racial discrimination.

The lawsuit filed by Kent Bowman, who is black, alleged that the district subjected him to discrimination, a hostile environment and retaliation. Bowman worked as a teacher at Har-Ber High School from 2006 to 2010.

The Morning News reports the district will pay Bowman $105,000 to settle the lawsuit.

The district is not admitting any wrongdoing. A school attorney, Charles Harwell, says the district will be responsible for a $10,000 deductible and that insurance will cover the rest of the payment.

Harwell says the district’s insurance company encouraged the district to approve the settlement.

The settlement also calls for diversity training for administrators and a tougher non-discrimination policy.