Former track coach files lawsuit against Johnson City School System and officials

A former track coach has filed a lawsuit alleging he was wrongfully terminated from his position with Johnson City Schools. Plaintiff Anthony Jones claims the school system discriminated against him concerning his race, sexual orientation and/or age–which ultimately led to him being let go from his coaching position within the school system. The suit, filed in the U.S. Federal District Court, claims Jones’ termination violated Title VII policies. Among the allegations is one that JCS school board member Ginger Carter “mounted a campaign to remove coaches including, but not limited to, Plaintiff Jones.” More defendants are named, including the Johnson City School System, Director of Schools Steve Barnett, school board member Ginger Carter, AD Keith Turner, Assistant AD Jeff Aldridge, Science Hill Principal Josh Carter and others. The Johnson City School system released a statement that “denies any and all allegations of wrongdoing; however, we will have no further comment on pending litigation.”