Retired Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Magram has filed a lawsuit against California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state officials, alleging antisemitic discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Magram, who is Jewish and formerly with the Air National Guard, says in the lawsuit that he was wrongfully terminated last year.
The big picture: According to a lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court in January, Magram claims that Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, his former superior, created a hostile work environment by engaging in antisemitic behaviors over a two-year period.
- He also alleges that Newsom never responded to his complaints.
- Magram was fired in January 2023, following reports that he used troops for personal errands. He was also accused of readying a fighter jet for a possible domestic mission in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Magram argues that he was fired because he spoke out against Beevers, who he accused of referring to another general as being so cheap he “gives Jewish people a bad name.” Magram also accuses Beevers as saying “how Jewish can you get” when talking about another Jewish member of the military.
- Magram reported the incidents to Newsom’s office six times.
- Beevers allegedly received permission from Newsom to cut Magram’s disability medical evaluation short, which caused him to lose some benefits.
What they’re saying: “I am extremely proud of my more than 37 years of service to California and this great nation, but I still have serious concerns for the welfare of the servicemembers and civilians that currently serve in the Department,” Magram said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “MG Beevers mounted an unprecedented defamatory campaign against me, and it was supported by the Governor.”
- Magram added, “I want to make sure this never happens again. MG Beevers actions were disturbingly aggressive and unexplainable, and he needs to be held accountable. It’s shocking that Governor Newsom disregarded the many attempts made to correct this situation and appointed MG Beevers permanently as the Adjutant General.”
- The California Military Department told Fox News that the lawsuit is retaliatory and baseless, saying Magram was fired because of multiple instances of misconduct involving ethical violations and maltreatment of subordinates.
