A former principal of Philadelphia High School for Girls, who went viral for withholding diplomas from students during a graduation ceremony, is suing the school district for racial discrimination.
Lisa Mesi, who served the district for nearly three decades, claims her demotion was unjust and motivated by her race. The controversy stems from a viral video showing Mesi denying diplomas to three students who had celebrated on stage, including Hafsah Abdul-Rahman, who performed the "Griddy" dance at her June 2023 graduation.
Abdul-Rahman, then a senior, admitted she knew of the school's policy against cheering or celebrations during the ceremony and even warned her family to remain quiet. Despite her efforts, she said she couldn't resist celebrating herself, as reported by NBC10 Philadelphia.
"She stole that moment from me I will never get that again," Abdul-Rahman told WRAL.
Mesi argues in her lawsuit that her actions upheld a longstanding tradition where diplomas were withheld if students or their families disrupted graduation proceedings. She contends her predecessors, who were Black, enforced the same rule without repercussions.
After the video circulated online, the district reassigned Mesi to a "Principal on Special Assignment" position, which she describes as demeaning and unsuitable for someone of her experience. She alleges she spent a year working in a cubicle at the district's central office, performing tasks beneath her qualifications.
The viral video sparked outpouring opinions online. "They have no right to deny them their diplomas. They can never get that experience back," wrote one commenter.
Another remarked, "Just shows me, no matter how hard you work to better yourself, you can be discriminated against because of someone else. What a corrupt society."
Mesi's lawsuit, filed Wednesday, claims the district violated her rights under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. She's seeking damages for emotional distress, anxiety, depression and professional humiliation, among other grievances.
"The district bought into and perpetuated a false narrative, precipitated by public opinion expressed on social media, that I am a racist," Mesi wrote in the lawsuit. She further stated that her 28-year career was dedicated to advancing opportunities for minority students and educators.
The district declined to comment on the pending litigation. All students involved received their diplomas after the ceremony ended.
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