A former art teacher at the Bronx High School for the Visual Arts has filed a lawsuit against the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) alleging discrimination and retaliation.
Plaintiff Johan Brady alleges that during her employment with NYCDOE, she was subjected to discrimination based on her disability—Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)—and experienced a hostile work environment. According to the complaint, Brady disclosed her ADHD diagnosis to Principal Iris Witherspoon on October 25, 2023. Witherspoon allegedly dismissed ADHD as a non-disability and requested medical documentation directly from Brady. Despite providing the documentation and seeking accommodations through formal channels such as SOLAS, Brady alleges that Witherspoon responded by issuing negative performance evaluations and influencing her termination.
The lawsuit describes several instances in which Brady claims she was targeted by NYCDOE staff following her disclosure. For example, she received multiple negative evaluations shortly after informing Witherspoon of her condition. These evaluations were later cited in connection with her dismissal on August 6, 2024. Brady also alleges that she was underpaid despite holding an MFA in Studio Art and being eligible for higher salary tiers.
Brady is seeking damages for emotional distress, back pay, front pay, punitive damages, statutory damages, attorneys’ fees, litigation costs, and other relief as determined by the court. The complaint cites alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). Brady also accuses NYCDOE of breach of contract for failing to adjust her salary in accordance with contractual provisions.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney John C. Luke Jr. of Abrams Fensterman LLP. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under case ID 1:25-cv-03624.