The former Hempstead school board president announced that she's filing a suit against the state.

Betty Cross filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Tuesday after she was removed from office by the State Education Commissioner John King. Cross had some harsh words for the commissioner on the steps of Alverta B. Grey Middle School.

"To be disgraced out of a position by King...is a sin and a shame in this community," said Cross.

Cross was re-elected to her board seat earlier this year, but challenger Maribel Toure made allegations of voter fraud. That led to a special election in late October where Cross lost by more than 500 votes.

"My client was removed from office after being dually elected, after having sworn her oath of office and had been appointed," said John Ryan, Cross' attorney.

Ryan says if the state Department of Education can remove his client without a hearing, it could happen to anyone.

Cross is seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress, public shame and humiliation that she says she suffered because Commissioner King unlawfully removed her from the school board.

A spokeswoman at Commissioner King's office told News 12 they don't comment on pending litigation.

At this point, it's unclear if Cross wants to be reinstated to the board.