WILLISTON (KFGO/KEYZ) – The former Assistant Superintendent of Williston Basin School District has filed a discrimination claim against the district.
Victoria Arneson claims she was subjected to a hostile working environment, harassment based on her gender, and retaliation for participating in a protected activity.
Arneson began her career with the district in 2011 as a teacher before becoming the assistant superintendent. She alleges the hostile working environment began this May when she disciplined a school principal in front of other staff members. Arneson said the situation escalated when the principal reacted by swearing and yelling at her. She said there were others present during the incident, but the principal’s reaction was never addressed.
Arneson claims she approached Dr. Richard Faidley, the Superintendent, about holding principals accountable for their actions, but was told to “get thicker skin.”
On August 2, 2023, Arneson received a written warning from Dr. Faidley, citing violations of various policies. The next day, she was written up for asking about a document she could no longer access.
Arneson said, that same day, her job duties were stripped and she lost email and internet access. Dr. Faidley allegedly instructed all district employees not to talk to her, prohibited her from communicating with her coworkers, and prohibited her from sending emails without his permission. She also said she was told to “just resign” that day.
Arneson was eventually reassigned to work in the warehouse under a new title.
The complaint also alleges Arneson was treated unfairly based on her gender and participation in a protected activity.
The district has not provided a specific reason for the actions taken against Arneson, according to the legal filing.
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