Miller v. San Francisco Unified School District

Summary

Lee Miller, a Jewish Education Specialist at Aptos Middle School, alleges that he faced antisemitic hostility, physical attacks, workplace ostracism, and retaliation after objecting to a union communication that he says glorified the October 7 Hamas attack. Miller alleges that the teachers’ union and the school district failed to address his complaints, and that the district later issued his first formal reprimand shortly after he filed suit. He seeks damages and safeguards requiring equal investigation of antisemitism complaints and protection from further retaliation. These are allegations in a pending lawsuit and have not been adjudicated.

Case developments

1. October 4, 2024

   Union communication sent to SFUSD teachers

   The complaint alleges that United Educators of San Francisco sent members a “Palestine Solidarity Action” poster through an employment-related channel. Miller says he objected to the communication as antisemitic and reported his concerns to the union and district.

2. April 2025

   First alleged assault during union protest

   Miller alleges that a union field organizer physically accosted him while he peacefully protested the union’s conduct, and that district officials did not investigate after he reported the incident.

3. February 2026

   Second alleged assault during teacher strike

   While protesting during the SFUSD teacher strike, Miller alleges that another teacher aggressively advanced on him and spat in his face. He says he reported the incident to Human Resources but no investigation followed.

4. April 17, 2026

   Federal lawsuit filed

   Miller filed suit against SFUSD, Superintendent Maria Su, United Educators of San Francisco, union vice president Frank Lara, and two individuals.

5. June 5, 2026

   District issues formal reprimand

   The complaint alleges that SFUSD issued Miller the first formal discipline of his teaching career less than two months after he sued, threatening further discipline including termination. Miller characterizes the reprimand as retaliation.

6. July 15, 2026

   First Amended Complaint filed

   The amended pleading asserts battery, hostile-work-environment, retaliation, First Amendment, and Equal Protection claims. Miller seeks damages, rescission of the reprimand, investigation of his complaints, and protections against discrimination and retaliation.

Court filings

• First Amended Complaint (July 15, 2026)View