Principal had a rocky end at old job

South Philadelphia High School Principal LaGreta Brown, who has been criticized for her handling of the racial assaults on Asian students by some of the school's black students, has been in controversial situations before.

When she was principal of the Atlantic City High School, she received a "no-confidence" vote from faculty after she allegedly "mistreated students and staff," the Press of Atlantic City reported in November 2006.

The Press also reported that in 2000, an arrest warrant was issued for Brown after she failed to show up in court for a harassment suit filed by a former cafeteria worker.

Yesterday, Philadelphia School District spokesman Fernando Gallard said Brown was hired because "she was exonerated."

"There were allegations raised at Atlantic City High School that were fully investigated by the New Jersey Department of Education and an order of dismissal was filed," Gallard said.

Yesterday, at a news conference at South Philadelphia High School, Brown sought to correct an impression by some that she had been indifferent to the Asian students' plight.

"I never have and never will tolerate offensive and negative comments by a teacher or employee directed to a student at any time," she said.

- Daily News staff report