White Michigan School Superintendent Accused of Mistreating Black Employees, Lawsuit Filed

Nationwide — Falicia Moreland-Trice, an African American principal at Pleasantview Elementary in Eastpointe, Michigan, has filed a federal lawsuit against Eastpointe Community Schools and Superintendent Christina Gibson, who is white. Moreland-Trice claims Gibson created a racially hostile work environment and treated Black employees unfairly.

According to the complaint, Gibson used the N-word around Black staff and blocked Black principals from sitting together during meetings, even though white leaders could sit freely. Moreland-Trice said Gibson once joked that Black people would only shop at Whole Foods if it sold “chitterlings and greens.”

As reported by Atlanta Black Star, the lawsuit also details a moment when Gibson allegedly said Moreland-Trice’s school would not receive the same treatment as a white-led school. When Moreland-Trice asked to move students to a less crowded campus, Gibson refused and told her, “your kids can sit on the floor.” Gibson reportedly gave more resources to the white-led school, including more staff and classroom seating.

Moreland-Trice says she had to teach multiple classes on top of her duties as principal after losing staff. She also accuses Gibson of overriding her decision to bar a parent from a school event after the parent brought a gun to campus. That decision led to an altercation where the parent allegedly assaulted Moreland-Trice.

The complaint also says Gibson denied Moreland-Trice COVID-19 hazard pay but approved it for white administrators. Gibson allegedly threatened to fire her if she spoke out about racism at work.

This lawsuit is the fifth racial discrimination case filed against Gibson in the past two years. Moreland-Trice is seeking a jury trial for compensatory damages.

Eastpointe Community Schools has declined to comment on the pending case but said they are working with legal counsel and will defend the district in court.