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Case No. 21-1327

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.

County:
Polk

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

Briefs

Supreme Court Opinion

Opinion Number:
21-1327
Date Published:
Jun 30, 2023

Other Information

Date Retained:
Jul 26, 2022
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