Court rules against ex-teacher who says she fears young kids

CINCINNATI (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled against a former high school teacher who sued school administrators for allegedly discriminating against her because of what she says is a rare phobia that makes her fear young children.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati today upheld a lower court decision dismissing 63-year-old Maria Waltherr-Willard’s breach-of-contract claim against Mariemont City Schools in suburban Cincinnati. The lower court ruled in favor of the district on Waltherr-Willard’s other claims, including age and disability discrimination.

The district transferred her from its high school to a middle school in 2009. She said the younger students triggered her phobia. The foreign languages teacher said that raised her blood pressure and forced her to retire.