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…