Eastpointe, MI – A former employee of Eastpointe Community Schools has filed a federal lawsuit against the district and Superintendent Christina Gibson, accusing them of racial discrimination and fostering a hostile work environment. The lawsuit, filed by former administrative assistant and grant specialist Leah Black, marks the third federal discrimination lawsuit against the district and superintendent in the past seven months.
According to the complaint, Black, who is Black, was hired by the district in 2017 as an administrative assistant for Kelly Middle School. She alleges that she applied for or expressed interest in four other positions within the district between 2017 and 2021, including human resource specialist, grants coordinator, administrative assistant to the superintendent, and athletic director. However, all of these positions were allegedly filled by white individuals with less experience and qualifications than Black.
Black also claims that she was required to train the person hired as grants coordinator, despite that individual having a two-year degree and no prior experience, while Black herself had a four-year college degree and experience in human resources. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that only white employees received grant bonuses, and that Black’s replacement was given a salary $20,000 higher than her own.
The lawsuit further accuses Gibson of threatening Black after she left the district, claiming that she was “watching her” and had connections to the superintendent at Black’s new school. The lawsuit asserts claims of constructive discharge, hostile work environment, race discrimination, retaliation, and violation of civil rights.
This recent lawsuit follows two previous federal discrimination lawsuits against Eastpointe Community Schools and Superintendent Christina Gibson. Last July, former Eastpointe High School principal Asenath Jones filed a lawsuit alleging race discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment. In August, former Eastpointe High School assistant principal Renita Williams filed another racial discrimination lawsuit.
The administration of Eastpointe Community Schools has not responded to requests for comment regarding the recent lawsuit. However, the legal actions by former employees raise concerns about the district’s practices and the treatment of minority employees.
In summary, a former administrative assistant and grant specialist has filed a federal lawsuit against Eastpointe Community Schools and Superintendent Christina Gibson, alleging racial discrimination and a hostile work environment. This is the third discrimination lawsuit against the district and superintendent within the past seven months. The lawsuit highlights disparities in hiring and salary decisions, as well as claims of threats and retaliation. The district has yet to comment on the matter.