Long-time teacher files civil rights lawsuit against Evergreen School District

Washougal resident Eric Dodge, who was entering his 17th year as a teacher in the Evergreen School District, was scheduled to begin an assignment at Wy‘east Middle School last fall before a conflict occurred with his then Principal Caroline Garrett over his support for President Donald Trump. Dodge, shown here wearing his “Make America Great Again’’ hat, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the district, Garrett and Human Resources Officer Jenae Gomes. Photo courtesy of Eric Dodge

Washougal resident Eric Dodge has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Evergreen School District claiming that Wy’east Middle School Principal Caroline Garrett called him a “racist,’’ “bigot,’’ “homophobe,’’ “liar,’’ and “hateful person” because of his support for President Donald Trump.