Davina Valdez
v.
West Des Moines Community Schools and Desira Johnson
Davina Valdez appeals from the jury’s verdict regarding her claims of race discrimination and retaliation under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, and wrongful termination in violation of public policy, against the West Des Moines Community Schools and teacher Desira Johnson (together, “WDMCS”). She argues: (1) she is entitled to a new trial because WDMCS used a peremptory strike to remove the only remaining black juror for discriminatory and pretextual reasons in violation of both the federal and Iowa constitutions; (2) the court erred in ruling Johnson could not be held individually liable or subject to punitive damages; and (3) the court erred by admitting parts of the parties’ settlement correspondence, excluding notes from a now-deceased employee of WDMCS, and excluding evidence of a later incident involving Johnson.
Appellant
Davina Valdez
Appellee
West Des Moines Community Schools and Desira Johnson
Attorneys for the Appellant
Megan C. Flynn
Angela L. Campbell
Attorneys for the Appellee
David T. Bower
Logan Eliasen
Supreme Court
Oral Argument Schedule
15-15-5
Jan 19, 2023 9:00 AM