News Summary
Jarvis Turner steps down as head coach of the boys varsity basketball team at Beverly Hills High School following a lawsuit alleging systemic racism within the district. Turner, who has led the team since 2010, will take on a new role at Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. His lawsuit highlights instances of discrimination, harassment, and inequality faced by educators and students of color within the Beverly Hills Unified School District, raising serious concerns about ongoing systemic issues. As the district searches for a new head coach, the implications of the lawsuits loom large.
Beverly Hills, California – Jarvis Turner is leaving his position as the head coach of the boys varsity basketball team at Beverly Hills High School following a lawsuit against the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD), which alleges anti-Black racism and discrimination. Turner, who served as head coach since 2010 and led the Normans to their first Southern Section championship in 46 years in 2015, will assume the role of middle school sports coordinator at Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
Turner’s departure has raised concerns about the ongoing legal battles faced by the BHUSD. In April, he filed a lawsuit alongside former fashion design teacher Bella Ivory, claiming systemic racism within the district directed at both educators and students of color. The lawsuit details alarming instances of discrimination, including derogatory remarks made against Turner and instances of harassment, such as receiving racist phone calls and being referred to using explicit racial slurs.
According to Turner’s attorney, the firing was not amicable or a mutual resignation as stated by the school district, but rather a retaliatory action for the lawsuit filed against them. Despite his initial plans to continue coaching at Beverly Hills High while transitioning to the new role, the school district found the middle school position incompatible with his coaching responsibilities.
Turner expressed pride in his accomplishments and the relationships he formed during his coaching tenure. His background includes coaching at Birmingham High School in Van Nuys before his time at Beverly Hills High School. However, his tenure has been marred by severe allegations of discrimination within the BHUSD.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed by Turner and Ivory, claims multiple instances of discrimination and harassment based on race. It includes accusations of being subjected to racial stereotypes by parents and fellow educators. Turner reported these incidents, hoping for a resolution, but alleges that his concerns were largely ignored by the administration.
Moreover, the lawsuit highlights the disparity in pay and benefits, stating that Turner and Ivory received significantly lower compensation than their non-Black colleagues in identical roles. Black students at Beverly Hills High School are also reported to face regular incidents of racism, being subjected to racial slurs frequently.
Systemic Issues within the District
The lawsuit paints a troubling picture of systemic racism within the BHUSD. It cites concerns raised by Ivory regarding her treatment, which included being advised by an assistant principal to behave in a manner that was “quiet, meek, passive, and compliant with white counterparts.” Ivory’s struggles reportedly included facing verbal harassment and retaliation after voicing her concerns about discrimination and mistreatment.
Furthermore, incidents described in the lawsuit report a lack of action from school personnel in situations where students openly chanted derogatory slogans and attempted to enter Ivory’s classroom. In a separate incident, a student allegedly threatened Ivory, yet no consequences were imposed by the district, ultimately forcing her resignation.
Current Status of the District
As the BHUSD grapples with these serious allegations, the search for a new head basketball coach at Beverly Hills High School is underway. The district is facing multiple lawsuits related to discrimination, with the forthcoming court hearing regarding Turner and Ivory’s case set for September 8.
Turner’s departure not only signifies a loss for the Beverly Hills High School basketball program but also underscores the pressing issues of racism and discrimination that permeate the school district, as highlighted by the ongoing litigation. The outcomes of the lawsuits may have significant implications for the future of the BHUSD and its approach to addressing such allegations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beverly Hills Unified School District Unveils Redesigned Websites
Additional Resources
- Beverly Press: BHHS Basketball Coach Leaves District
- Beverly Hills Courier: Lawsuit Alleges Black Teachers Threatened and Called Racial Slurs at BHHS
- Beverly Press: Black Teachers File Discrimination Lawsuit Against BHUSD
- FOX LA: Beverly Hills Teacher Claims Wrongful Termination
- Wikipedia: Systemic Racism
- Google Search: Discrimination Lawsuits in Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Racism
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
