News Summary
Two Black educators, Jarvis Turner and Natonda Ivory, have sued the Beverly Hills Unified School District alleging systemic racism, harassment, and retaliation. Their joint legal action seeks equal pay and improved conditions for Black teachers. Recent court approvals allow their claims to be consolidated into one trial, highlighting ongoing racial tensions within the district. Both educators have reported various incidents of discrimination and hostility, which they hope to address through the lawsuit and promote systemic change within the educational environment.
Beverly Hills, California – Two Black teachers, Jarvis Turner and Natonda “Bella” Ivory, filed a lawsuit against the Beverly Hills Unified School District on April 25, citing allegations of racial discrimination, harassment, and retaliation among others. The legal action seeks to address what the plaintiffs describe as systemic racism within the district, aiming for equal pay and improved conditions for Black educators.
A ruling from a Los Angeles Superior Court judge has permitted both teachers to combine their claims into one trial, dismissing the defense’s argument that such a procedure would lead to a “disjointed and prejudicial” trial. This ruling signifies a critical step in the continuation of the case, potentially amplifying the focus on racial dynamics within the district.
Jarvis Turner, who has served as a basketball coach and sports marketing teacher at Beverly Hills High School since 2010, has reported numerous incidents of racial hostility throughout his tenure. He claimed to have received an email in 2019 that included a racial slur and has faced derogatory comments from students during phone calls and in interactions with parents. Despite his complaints elevated to the attention of the superintendent, he contends that no substantial action was taken to remedy these issues.
Natonda Ivory joined Beverly Hills High School in 2020 as a career and technical education teacher. Her experience has included allegations of public humiliation and belittlement by a co-teacher in a costume design class. Additionally, an assistant principal reportedly advised her to display “quiet, meek, passive and compliant” behavior, reflecting a concerning culture regarding how Black teachers are perceived and treated in the school environment.
The lawsuit also highlights the experiences of Black students at the school, who reported feelings of marginalization and unsafe conditions. Instances of the “N” word being directed at them, along with harassment during a pro-Trump demonstration on November 5, 2024, were documented. During this event, students shouted racially charged language and attempted to enter Ivory’s classroom, heightening concerns for the safety of both teachers and students.
Ivory’s personal experiences extend beyond her professional role. Her son, who encountered bullying at a BHUSD middle school, was compelled to transition to home and online schooling due to safety concerns. Furthermore, a disturbing incident occurred when a student allegedly threatened to stab her in class, yet the district failed to respond appropriately to this threat, exacerbating the challenges she faced within the school environment.
As a result of a hostile work environment, Ivory made the difficult decision to resign in the spring of 2025 and subsequently accepted a position with significantly lower pay. The plaintiffs’ attorney, Brad Gage, states that the lawsuit not only seeks to address compensation disparities but also aims to challenge and transform the broader culture of racism present in the district.
While the Beverly Hills Unified School District has not commented on the ongoing litigation, the allegations are part of a growing list of complaints regarding discrimination and hostile work environments within the institution. The situation has drawn attention to the urgent need for systemic change and greater accountability in fostering an inclusive environment for both educators and students.
The lawsuit by Turner and Ivory underscores a pressing issue affecting both the educational workforce and student experiences within Beverly Hills schools. Gage expresses hope that through legal action, significant reform can be initiated to confront and dismantle racism within the district.
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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.
