Former Educator’s Lawsuit Revived Against De Blasio Administration

A former educator has alleged that the De Blasio administration allowed “racial harassment” directed at white staff within the public school system while promoting anti-bias training sessions.

A significant ruling on Thursday reversed a lower court’s decision to dismiss a 2019 lawsuit filed by Leslie Chislett, a seasoned manager who oversaw senior placements in city departments. This ruling paves the way for either a trial or potential financial compensation from the city.

According to a three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Chislett presented sufficient evidence that suggested during “implicit bias” training and other workplace interactions, the Department of Education (DOE) often overlooked racial harassment experienced by white employees.

Chislett noted that she has mixed feelings about the court’s decision. “While this ruling is a long-awaited validation, it doesn’t bring back my cherished career,” she mentioned, reflecting on her past experiences.

She expressed her frustration, stating, “What the DOE and its leaders were doing at that time was both deeply divided and illegal,” describing her ordeal as compounded by mockery from former mayor Bill de Blasio and then-governor Richard Carranza.

The judges pointed to several instances highlighted in the lawsuit, including a diversity training session led by senior staff at the DOE’s Equity and Access Office. They reportedly stated, “There is white toxicity in the air, and we are all sucking it in.”

When confronted by supervisors about these statements, the judges found that negative stereotypes targeting white individuals were directed at Chislett specifically.

The decision indicated that during training or evaluations, Chislett was often labeled as “racist” or “white and fragile.” In one encounter, an underling reportedly challenged her, saying, “How will you approach me from your white privilege?” after she inquired about a tardy staff member at a meeting.

Chislett claimed that multiple senior officials, including then-deputy Prime Minister Lashawn Robinson, dismissed or ignored her complaints about the “unbearable” hostility she faced, which led her to take medical leave.

The court concluded that the administration had indeed tolerated racial harassment.

Chislett’s attorney, Davida Perry, commented, “This decision underscores that racial discrimination is unacceptable in any form.”

Perry also represents three other white former DOE administrators who have similarly sued, alleging that Carranza had promoted individuals of color over them, effectively demoting them.

In April 2024, the city reached a settlement with three women, amounting to $2.1 million, or $700,000 each.

Perry noted that no similar lawsuits have been filed under Mayor Adams’ leadership. “The problematic policies were established by de Blasio and Carranza, and so far, we haven’t encountered similar complaints,” she stated.

Both de Blasio and Carranza have denied implementing anti-white policies, while the DOE has referred the matter to the city’s legal department for further comment.