School Workers Fired After Katrina Rebuffed By US High Court

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The nation's highest court has turned down an appeal from lawyers representing more than 7,000 school workers who argue they were wrongfully fired after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and caused schools to close indefinitely.

On Monday the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a petition for a hearing. The high court did not give a reason for its decision.

The appeal was made after the Louisiana Supreme Court in October overturned previous rulings in favor of the workers.

In 2012 a state district court determined the teachers were wrongfully fired and that they were entitled to damages.

Willie Zanders, a lawyer for the school workers, said Monday's decision effectively ended the legal fight. But he says he planned to submit the case to Congress and seek compensation through the legislative branch.

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