A tenured teacher has filed a lawsuit against the New York City Department of Education, claiming the agency mishandled her medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The complaint, filed on Nov. 15, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, was brought by Angela Pandazis, who alleges violations of her constitutional rights.
The lawsuit centers on claims that the Department of Education denied her due process and equal protection under the law. Pandazis applied for a medical exemption through the Department’s SOLAS website on October 12, 2021.
She submitted all required documentation and received confirmation, but faced a lengthy period without pay or benefits while awaiting a decision.
Pandazis's situation reportedly worsened when, on Nov. 2, 2021, she was placed on Leave Without Pay. Although she was later informed that her exemption had been approved, she remained unpaid until February 13, 2023, when the vaccine mandate was lifted, and she was told to return to work.
The complaint highlights communication issues with DOE representatives, who reportedly offered no assistance or resolution regarding her case. In October 2022, Pandazis discovered her fingerprints had been flagged with a “Problem Code,” indicating misconduct without any prior notification or opportunity to contest such allegations. She claims this harmed her professional reputation.
Pandazis is accusing the Department of selective enforcement and claims it treated her differently from other employees who received exemptions. She argues this violated her Fourteenth Amendment rights to equal protection and due process under U.S.C. §1983.
Additionally, she challenges her placement on Leave Without Pay as unconstitutional, arguing it violates tenure protections under Education Law §§3020 and 3020-a.
Pandazis seeks several forms of relief, including a declaration that her due process rights were violated, back pay for financial losses, compensatory damages, and coverage for attorney fees and litigation costs. She also seeks recognition of the harm caused to her professional standing.
Representing the plaintiff is attorney Stewart Lee Karlin from Stewart Lee Karlin Law Group PC. Case I.D. 1:24-cv-07968.