Schools
Kirkwood School District Faces Employment Discrimination Suit
Former Kirkwood High School counselor says she was fired based on race.
Former tenured counselor Julie Hanewinkel, of Webster Groves, sued the in May claiming she was fired based on her race.
Hanewinkel, who is white, alleges that the held her to a different standard than black employees and white male employees.
Hanewinkel was pregnant during the 2007-08 school year, according to the court documents. Hanewinkel said she expected to return to work following the birth of her child and raising it one or two years.
In addition to the , the suit names former KHS principal as a defendant. Hanewinkel alleges that Holley intentionally induced and caused the to breach her contract by terminating her.
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The former counselor is seeking a judgment of more than $25,000 for tortious interference of contract and a judgment of more than $25,000 for race discrimination.
Larry Fields of Richard Banks & Associates is representing Hanewinkel. He did not return a phone call seeking comment. It is policy not to comment on litigation or personnel issues.