EEOC says school district violated Ogas’ rights

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that former Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Louis Martinez violated the rights of former Mayfield High School Principal Robert Ogas by chasing him out in 2005.

In a ruling issued Wednesday, the commission found that Martinez and the school district discriminated against Ogas based on his age – he was 64 at the time of his departure – and his ethnicity.

The controversy over Ogas’ departure led to deep divisions in the school district that have resurfaced in the present controversy over current Superintendent Sonia Diaz. The protests that resulted from Ogas’ departure led to a successful, public push for the school board to oust Martinez.

Ogas was a longtime principal at Mayfield and a legend in that community, but there was division within the community and school board over his tenure. Some saw him as a man who ran the best high school in the district, while others saw him as a barrier to better educating underperforming students.

From the start of his tenure, Martinez was at odds with Ogas. The former superintendent placed Ogas on leave in April 2005, leading to the protests that were attended by hundreds of people. Martinez later decided to reinstate Ogas through June 2005 – the end of his contract – but made no statement about whether the contract would be renewed. Ogas resigned at the beginning of June 2005, but said he was forced to do so.

The EEOC ruled that Martinez made the decision to not renew Ogas’ contract before he placed him on leave in April.

Though the EEOC said discrimination did occur, it also found that there was not evidence to support Ogas’ claim that harassment occurred.

The ruling that there was discrimination, according to the EEOC determination, was made because Ogas was performing his job satisfactorily but was replaced with a younger, non-Hispanic principal. The ruling was also made, it states, because the school district “has not shown that its actions were based on reasons other than discrimination.”

The situation now goes to mediation and a potential settlement.

“I think it’s important for the public to know that Bob Ogas has gone through an awful lot, that it’s a good thing that he has been vindicated for the treatment he has received by the district, and we’re hopeful for a resolution, so he can get on with his life,” said Ogas’ attorney, Lawrence Pickett.

I was unable to reach officials with the school district for comment.