Tukwila school superintendent put on paid leave
Published 10:38 pm Tuesday, March 27, 2012
TUKWILA — The Tukwila School District superintendent has been put on paid leave during an investigation into discrimination claims by nine employees.
The school board made that decision Tuesday night in the case of Ethelda Burke.
KING-TV reported that nine black teachers and staff members have filed racial discrimination complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, contending Burke made racist and derogatory remarks to them. Burke is also black.
Multiple staff members say they were called “slaves” by Burke.
Burke has declined to comment publicly.
Athletic and activities director J.D. Hill claimed that Burke called him “J. Darky” and made other racially derogatory statements.
The Tukwila district is one of the most diverse in Washington — 70 percent of the children are minorities.
