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District to pay $1.2M to settle anti-LGBT lawsuit from lesbian who alleged trustee referred to her as 'witch'

Drone shot of Grossmont Union High School District
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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The Grossmont Union High School District has agreed to pay $1.2 million to a former employee who filed a lawsuit last year alleging she was harassed for opposing the board's "anti-LGBTQ agenda."

Rose Tagnesi worked for the district for over 28 years and claims her boss told her to keep a "low profile" because if board members found out she was gay, they wouldn't approve a promotion for her.

In 2024, Team 10 reported the former special education director alleged in court documents that a board trustee referred to Tagnesi and another school employee as "witches" who were part of an "LGBTQ coven."

WATCH: See Austin Grabish's investigative piece from last year below

Lawsuit alleges school trustee referred to lesbian as ‘witch’ part of ‘LGBTQ coven’

Tagnesi's attorney confirmed the $1.2 million settlement.

Tagnesi told Team 10 Wednesday the settlement is important not only for her, but also to the broader LGBT community.

“In the future, I'm hopeful the district will take decisive action toward creating the culture of inclusivity its students and teachers deserve,” she said in a statement.

Team 10 has asked the school district for comment. Our newsroom is awaiting a reply.