Former 4J Union President Sues District Over Rumors, Harassment

Sabrina Gordon filed a complaint in Lane County on November 6 alleging that Eugene School District 4J permitted ongoing false rumors that she had a sexual relationship with former superintendent Andy Dey. The suit, reported November 13, seeks roughly $702,646 for lost wages, emotional harm, and legal fees, and accuses the district of sex discrimination and creating a hostile work environment.

According to court filings summarized in the report, the timeline of complaints runs through 2023 and 2024. Gordon pursued internal appeals with the district before resigning in July, a departure she describes in the complaint as a constructive discharge. The suit frames the allegations as part of a sustained pattern that undermined her role as a union leader and as an employee of the district.

The complaint arrives against a backdrop of controversy that marked Andy Dey's tenure and departure from district leadership. The lawsuit centers on how district officials responded to rumors and complaints about workplace conduct, and it raises questions about institutional accountability, protections for employees who lead collectively, and the ways rumor and gossip can be allowed to shape professional environments.

For local residents the case touches on several practical concerns. A large damages award or legal settlement could have budgetary consequences for the district and by extension the local tax base. More immediately, the allegations may affect teacher morale, retention, and the willingness of staff to engage in union activities or to report misconduct. School employees who feel unsafe or unsupported are at higher risk for stress related health conditions, which can contribute to absenteeism and turnover that disrupt student learning and community stability.

The lawsuit also highlights broader public health and equity implications. Gendered rumors and allegations targeting a woman in a leadership role underscore persistent power dynamics that can shape who is believed and who is protected. Ensuring access to mental health supports, employee assistance programs, and trauma informed workplace responses can help mitigate harm when staff face reputational attacks and chronic stress.

Legally the case will proceed through Lane County courts where the district will have an opportunity to respond. For the community, the lawsuit is a prompt to demand transparency, robust complaint processes, and policies that protect employees from discrimination and hostile environments. How the district addresses these allegations may influence public trust in local schools and shape efforts to strengthen workplace safety and equity for all staff.