Eight Dist. 150 Teachers File Discrimination Lawsuit

December 18, 2009

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By WEEK Producer

Story Published: Dec 18, 2009 at 12:11 PM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 19, 2009 at 12:57 AM CDT

Eight-white Peoria School teachers are suing District 150, claiming discrimination by African-American administrators.

The teachers filed their lawsuit Thursday in Peoria Federal Court.

Tammy Williams, Patricia Schmidt, Jennifer Dougherty, Richard Trau, Bonnie Wilson, Cathy Berll, Kit Zinser and Geraldine Warner have all worked at Trewyn Middle School as teachers or staff.

They claim that former Superintendent Ken Hinton and the Board of Education implemented policies and practices that discriminated against white employees.

The teachers claim they were told repeatedly they did not have the skills to work with black students, because they are white.

The eight teachers want compensation for allegedly being discriminated against.

Peoria attorney Patricia Banassi is handing the case for the teachers.

Years ago, Banassi won a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Mitsubishi Motors in Normal for workplace discrimination and sexual harassment.

Wednesday, Dec 30 at 4:58 PM Timm wrote ...

For the one who works as a secretary at Richwoods,she has caused her own problems with the black community.She was involved with one of the biggest fraud cases in the State of Illinois.and now in retaliation she is crying discrimination.Just watch,wait and see.I do not have to do anything.She did it to herself.

Wednesday, Dec 30 at 8:55 AM Cricket wrote ...

To Anonymous: It looks to me that you, LOL and Hubie are all one in the same person. To you I say, I don't know what has caused such bitterness against my sister, but I will pray for you that He gives you peace. This bitterness only hurts and poisons you. My sister and I only wish you peace.

Sunday, Dec 27 at 4:45 PM Anonymous wrote ...

To Cricket and Fortner you make me sick. I get nauseated just thinking about you.A fine woman???,I do not think so.Like I said before all she does is go after lawsuits.I wouldn't trust anything the biotch says.I am sure that there will be certain people aware of her.

Thursday, Dec 24 at 9:26 PM cubbie wrote ...

This goes on in every department in 150. Set ground rules and abide by them no matter what race/gender you are. But nooooo...150 has to change those rules for certain people. No wonder 150 has no money with all of the law suits pending.

Wednesday, Dec 23 at 9:46 PM Cricket wrote ...

To Hubie and LOL: You don't know what you're talking about related to your comments about Fortner ... she is one of the finest women on Earth. She lives her faith and truly is a person who is color blind ... and as to her fine family name? Well as her sister, I can tell you we are all very, very proud of her as would our parents be if they were here. Sure she's made mistakes in her life. Which one of us hasn't? It seems as if you both may have a personal vendeta... perhaps you should talk 2 me.

Sunday, Dec 20 at 8:43 PM who cares wrote ...

Discrimination is Discrimination wheather or not is white on black or black on white... its stupid and we, as in WE all bolth black and white need to mvoe on. I am white and treat everyone equally until they do something for me to see otherwise. I have met alot of nice black people, I have also met alot of trash white people. Lets move on.

Sunday, Dec 20 at 2:09 PM Hubie wrote ...

And Fortner hides behind a name that came from a very good family in the Peoria Area. She doesn't deserve that name.All she has ever done was to embarass the family of the name she carries on purpose for greed.

Sunday, Dec 20 at 1:37 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Let's all face it , Until we get past ALL of the racism and negativity , we'll all stay stuck in the Mud ! District 150 is the biggest school district , so the district will get more publicity than some of the smaller school district's , but let's stop the negativity and concentrate on building a stronger community . All of our kid's future deoend's on it . Two of my Son's go to Eastern , and I am very proud of E'm !Disrict 150 gave the a A Plus Education!

Sunday, Dec 20 at 11:37 AM abouttime wrote ...

Its about time someone is playing the white card!

Saturday, Dec 19 at 11:18 PM Dennis in Peoria wrote ...

The only true "Americans" in this country are the Native Americans. So should maybe us descendents of European-Americans go back to Europe some folks insist that African-Americans should go back to Africa?

Saturday, Dec 19 at 8:32 PM Spider wrote ...

Cant we just all get along.......

Saturday, Dec 19 at 5:45 PM 13 wrote ...

not all blacks or "african americans" aren't all bad as people make them out to be. theres a huge difference between blacks and ghetto people. although some are rascist towards us whites. we are rascist too. i go to a church with tons of "black/african americans" and they are very descent. we are all the same. were all human. although some of us dont have hearts. unfortunetly some people cant forgive and forget. im not just saying its whites. were both rascist. if you were all really christians

Saturday, Dec 19 at 1:34 PM Anarcist wrote ...

To ahhhh!: Remember that on the right side of the river you have CreveTucky and that ain't something to be proud of. But I envy you being on the (in general) better side of the river

Saturday, Dec 19 at 11:17 AM Wow wrote ...

Such hatred. It's less than a week before Christmas. We are all the same in the eyes of God. That's all that matters. Ignorance begets ignorance.

Saturday, Dec 19 at 10:06 AM My opinion wrote ...

"We're gonna need a bigger boat".

Saturday, Dec 19 at 9:46 AM concerned wrote ...

All of this started when they hired Kay Royster.Welcome to Little Detroit. Bring someone in like Harry Wittitaker. This Dist. needs discipline in the schools

Saturday, Dec 19 at 9:34 AM eurpean/american wrote ...

that the race thing went out the window after obama took office . but it will alls be here i think I never look at the cover its the pages that counts

Saturday, Dec 19 at 9:22 AM ironeagle56 wrote ...

it should be call unfair labor or sonething it a shame to use race and say you white you should been here or something . a teacher is sent to do her or his job to the best of thier

Saturday, Dec 19 at 9:19 AM Well... wrote ...

I read an article that said one of these years we (whites) will be the minority. Will I be able to get welfare, food stamps, and live free off the govt then? Probably not because it will still only be for blacks. All I know is by then Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton will be dead and gone so at least one good thing will come of it.

Saturday, Dec 19 at 4:30 AM Tim wrote ...

Someone who is suing is related to a person who burglarized with a gun a restaurant called Bob Evans.He was residing with one of the people who is in the lawsuit.Not good.

Saturday, Dec 19 at 1:15 AM LOL wrote ...

I wouldn't trust anything that J. Fortner says.As far as I know that one always looks for a lawsuit.She is not even a teacher.

Saturday, Dec 19 at 12:38 AM About time wrote ...

Tired of seeing the card always played for Obama followers because he's only half black. Stick up and reverse discrimination is real and used all over to get quotas and it does discriminate against whites. About time they get the same shot as everyone else.

Saturday, Dec 19 at 12:03 AM Anonymous wrote ...

First of all how do we know these acqusations are true second of all black people have faced discrimination FOREVER and still do, how many lawsuits should be filed in blacks behalf. Get a grip society, stop placing your opinion on who can do what and start praying that God leads and guides you to do your job, wherever it may be and whomever you work with.

Friday, Dec 18 at 10:41 PM Racism is racism wrote ...

Will y'all cut it with the "reverse" word?

Friday, Dec 18 at 10:29 PM Itisabouttime. wrote ...

Reverse discrimination is as UGLY as discrimination. It's way past time for this nasty secret to be exposed and dealt with. It is time to clean house in the District 150 administration office. And it is time for every black employee to learn to give the same measure of respect they demand to be given. I hope the employees bringing the suit win a huge settlement. Maybe it will get the attention of the school board, administration and the community before it is too late.

Friday, Dec 18 at 10:02 PM 'bout time wrote ...

gee, people are sure in an uproar about this one. white people filing a suit against the black people? WOW...about time! doesn't seem many people think it is that fair. boo hoo. oh, and why must black people be called "African Americans" and white people are referred to as"white"? that is not politically correct! Please refer to the “white” people as "Caucasians" from now on. cant have it BOTH WAYS. GET IT RIGHT! Thank you.

Friday, Dec 18 at 9:33 PM idiot wrote ...

Actually 22 is twenty two where I come from, not 4 you idiot. You must have been taught by a......you get the picture.

Friday, Dec 18 at 7:51 PM wow wrote ...

Sad that we can have a black president because most of America is color blind but Peoria is still as racist as ever. Way to go Peoria let's show America how backward we are. So yeah let's just keep posting words of hate so other people can read them and judge how immoral and uneducated you all are.

Friday, Dec 18 at 7:41 PM Anarcist wrote ...

I hope Benassi bankrupts District 150. They deserve it, the taxpaers of Peoria deserve it too. Go Benassi Go!!!! Maybe then people will finally see that Peoria is a town that has policies dictated by the black community and it's time for a radical change.

Friday, Dec 18 at 7:04 PM Not a teacher but did research wrote ...

I'm disheartened that again the topic of teacher's salaries come to play in every argument. Most teachers have more education as doctors and lawyers. Comparing their salary to someone in construction is comparing apples to oranges. If you must make comparisons - compare to people with equal educations/time in school. Don't kid yourselves about how much time teachers spend working either - research says about 9-10 hrs/day; & that teachers spend an avg of $900/yr of own money on supplies

Friday, Dec 18 at 6:54 PM TS wrote ...

Discrimination is discrimination - it is all wrong and EVERYONE should fight towards the complete acceptance of ALL people based on their merits and individuality. Anytime someone is discriminated against it takes all of us backwards. I sit here and read the comments of people and hope that our children do not see how "adults" choose to call each other names, take sides before knowing the truths and divide. We need to stand together and want one thing......the truth.

Friday, Dec 18 at 6:50 PM JON wrote ...

HEY PEOPLE IT'S THE TIME OF PEACE AND LOVE ..NOT THIS NONSENSE .... GIVE IT A REST AND HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.....

Friday, Dec 18 at 6:38 PM eerrrrr wrote ...

The only answer to this problem is to cut off welfare and segregate our schools. Let social Darwinism run its course and maybe in 3 to 4 generations blacks may be adequate for learning with white children and taught by white children.

Friday, Dec 18 at 6:22 PM Beaucheckers wrote ...

So does that mean I didn't learn anything from my Black teachers since I was white? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Teachers can teach anyone. It's a matter of whether the students will listen and respect that teacher. Unfortunately some parents do tell their children not to listen to a teacher who is not the same race. This is a huge part of the problem with AYP in District 150.

Friday, Dec 18 at 6:16 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Just wondering. Is there any white students at this school?

Friday, Dec 18 at 6:09 PM Moi wrote ...

Maybe that's what they want. Segregated schools. Peoria is in a time warp. Racism is very much alive and thriving in Central IL...on BOTH sides of the issue. MLK is rolling over in his grave right now.

Friday, Dec 18 at 6:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I do not understand..District 150 needs to get it together all around,seriously,Not only are they broke/ closing schools, everyone is on edge about this impasse and now people are filing discrimination charges and fighting over race again I am sorry but if you do not show some kind of respect for one another and come united..Do not expect that out of your students or argue that they do not respect you. I just want to know who is fighting for the students through all this

Friday, Dec 18 at 5:44 PM Here we go! Time to flip the race card! wrote ...

Your home life, street life, whatever is irrelevant while at school. People should be there to learn regardless of what color the teachers are. If more people would learn in school instead of worrying about the clothes, iPods, cell phones, car rims, drugs to sell/take, or whatever..the system would work. Segregated schools are what you are promoting by having black teach black. Didn't Martin Luther King Jr. preach equality? Wow, I'm white and I know that. Stay on that side of the river then!

Friday, Dec 18 at 5:38 PM I agree with sick of double standards wrote ...

There would be HELL TO PAY if a black teacher was told they didn't have the "skills" to work with white students. Hypocrisy at it's worst! People need to get this guy out of a position of power at this school dist.

Friday, Dec 18 at 5:37 PM Dennis in Peoria wrote ...

Well, the article does say the plaintiffs seek compensation, but not how much; I am sure more details will follow. This is something teachers AND Dist. 150 don't need right now.

Friday, Dec 18 at 5:35 PM Racism is a TWO WAY STREET wrote ...

It's simply disgraceful that these teachers are being targeted because of their race. Whites and Blacks need to stand up against this mockery of a school administration.

Friday, Dec 18 at 4:50 PM Carolyn wrote ...

I wonder how much the construction worker paid for his education? Nothing unless he was giving kickbacks back to the BA. My education cost me approximately $50,000. By the way, obviously, you have no idea how many blacks attend Canton Senior High School!

Friday, Dec 18 at 4:47 PM Abe Froman wrote ...

I went to a 50/50 race school(Woodruff)...I loved it and got the benefits of having a multi-race environment. I live in tazewell county now and I understand that some on this side of the river can be racist, but both races and be racist.

Friday, Dec 18 at 4:45 PM George wrote ...

As a white, older, male teacher I was told by a black, female principal that "You are not part of our family here". Meaning I was not black. Black Racist.

Friday, Dec 18 at 4:44 PM Abe Froman wrote ...

Wait...wait...wait. Please don't get this started that you need same race to teach students. Students can learn from different race instructors and vice versa. When you make those statements your turning it to a race issue as well as making you a racist.

Friday, Dec 18 at 4:40 PM Anarcist wrote ...

Reverse Discrimination? Oh come one. Just ask the black people of Peoria (and this country for that matter) and they will tell you we owe them far more than their 40 acres and a mule.

Friday, Dec 18 at 4:21 PM Crazy wrote ...

Affirmative Action has been good for everyone except for when it is exploited. (See: Jesse Jack and Al Sharp)Whites may be the majority in population but they are the minority when when it comes to having to be politically correct. I hope they win the suit.

Friday, Dec 18 at 4:17 PM RU Jelous is a jerk wrote ...

It is called puvlic information . The salary of every PUBLIC employee is available to every taxpayer in that state . IDIOT !

Friday, Dec 18 at 4:15 PM j wrote ...

NO ONE WINS HERE !! SAD DEAL !!

Friday, Dec 18 at 4:08 PM whitehairedcoach's son wrote ...

Peoria needs to get a grip. Forget about the salary posting....because it is PUBLIC information. http://www.championnews.net/salaries.php Besides...its about time that we "the new minority" stand up for our rights.

Friday, Dec 18 at 3:43 PM anonymous wrote ...

It's about time someone stood up to reverse discrimination. I hope they're successful.

Friday, Dec 18 at 3:35 PM Wow wrote ...

Thank you the truth for posting the salary of these teachers ... and just the other day they said they were under paid ! I work in construction and don't make 47 K !

Friday, Dec 18 at 3:28 PM ya wrote ...

double standards you have got a point.period.

Friday, Dec 18 at 3:22 PM Sick of Double Standards wrote ...

Can you imagine what would happen if a black teacher at any school in Taz/Fulton/Woodford/Mason Cty was told that he/she didn't have the skills to work with white kids? You can bet there would be protests and discrimination lawsuits.

Friday, Dec 18 at 3:17 PM WOW wrote ...

I can't believe we are still dealing with racism on this level. We should all be ashamed of ourselves.

Friday, Dec 18 at 3:15 PM Hilarious wrote ...

This comes as no surprise from a district that hired Kay Royster and Ken Hinton to "lead". Now you have to rely on Brock Butts, former superintendent of Tremont (as one called it a white farm town) and Norm Durflinger, former Morton Superintendent, to come and straighten the corruption of black administrators up

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:58 PM TO TIRED TREWYN TEACHER wrote ...

Obviously you are biased. You are jealous or something. You need to ask for some spelling lessons from one of those UNGRATEFUL WHITE EMPLOYEES. I am sure if you were discriminated against by a white person, you would be the first to be jumping in line and saying give me some free money. This is not free money they are asking for, it is dued money to them from someone who thinks he is above the moral statues of being in this country.

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:56 PM jeez wrote ...

remember brown vs. board of education.

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:50 PM Money grabbing huh wrote ...

Look who is calling who money grabbing underperforming-you need to learn to spell-ask one of the white employees to teach you- would you care to see who is getting more handouts and free food and free presents and free this and free that? I say they could use some free education on what causes them to need and think they deserve all of this free stuff. I am tired also of working to pay for them to sit, eat party and do nothing for free. When's it our turn for you to actually take care of us

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:48 PM Tired wrote ...

I've worked at Trewyn for 5 years now. I've seen how groups and cliques are formed by the teachers. One group for the principal and one against. The kids suffer because of childish adults. Its not a black/white thing. I have heard plenty of white teachers here who laugh at this lawsuit. These selfish, childish, and ungreatful teachers ruin it for the great ones! Yeah I am a black staff member and I proudly say that the best teacher we have at Trewyn is Tony Shinall (white male). Bogus suit.

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:48 PM left the district wrote ...

For many years I have known wonderful teachers of both colors. I am glad to see people standing up for themselves, no matter what color. Discrimination comes in all sizes, shapes, colors, relitions,etc. Now is the time for everyone, not just the politically correct to treat everyone equally. As for salary, your education decides that. So, if you have a good salary, thank a teacher, if not, well, it is up to you. Merry Christmas to all of you. I know that isn't politically correct either.

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:44 PM I've worked with all types of kids wrote ...

And I am sure these teachers are loved by many. Most young children do not see color as a big deal until they are TAUGHT to see it as a big deal. If this admin really said that, he should take a time out.

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:36 PM RU Jealous wrote ...

Who gave you the right to announce what each of these fine white people made in 2008. I look at it like this, the Af-Am gave them that salary as well as whites, and now they have to pay for running their(his) mouth. 150 does not deserve a charter school. Couldn't that money be spent better elsewhere? There are a lot of other schools and towns that could benefit better from additions and new schools. It's about time the white community started firing back. Good for you white employees you g

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:35 PM Truth is right wrote ...

Good job truth . lets expose these money grabbing under preforming jerks .

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:30 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Who in the heck invited the minority to come run our towns. We were fine without you. Stop trying to fix something that is not broke. Go fix your own countries.

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:20 PM Anonymous wrote ...

all I can say is "Its District 150"

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:14 PM Stay over here wrote ...

I moved to Woodford to get away from you and your drugs and crime

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:12 PM THE TRUTH wrote ...

IN 2008 THESE TEACHERS MADE: Tammy $ 57,127,Patty $75,909, Richard $ 88,910, Bonnie $ 53,281, Cathy $ 55,554, Kit $ 63,739, Geraldine $ 47,831 STOP YOUR WHINING ,I WISH I COULD BE DISCRIMINATED LIKE THIS

Friday, Dec 18 at 2:01 PM VinoGirl wrote ...

Essentially our brains all function in the same manner regardless of race, and teachers are there to do just that, teach. Its up to the student to understand not the teacher. Leave the relating to the students to the counselors.

Friday, Dec 18 at 1:32 PM Frenchie wrote ...

Since my heritage is French, from now on I want to be referred to as Fr-Am. OK!

Friday, Dec 18 at 1:29 PM Stumpy wrote ...

LOL!"Stay over There" and "All White Towns"you need to check your spelling. . . it's TAZEWELL

Friday, Dec 18 at 1:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Why all the hate and anger during this holiday season? This is a time for love, joy, peace, compassion and forgiveness. Life is too short to live it so frustrated and angry.

Friday, Dec 18 at 1:26 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Why all the hate and anger during this wonderful holiday community? Why can't we all just get along?

Friday, Dec 18 at 1:02 PM sick of it wrote ...

Now we see the racist rantings of the hyphenated (african(-)american community again

Friday, Dec 18 at 12:56 PM logic wrote ...

Discrimination & Racism goes both ways! Listen to yourself "all white town". What the heck are you teaching your kids? Your as much of the racism problem as the those who say "all black community"

Friday, Dec 18 at 12:52 PM white teacher in 150 wrote ...

To stay over there: if we did not come and teach in "your" community, then you would have gotten NO education at all. Simply cannot get enough Af-Am teachers who want to work in 150.....guess why?

Friday, Dec 18 at 12:48 PM stay over there wrote ...

when i was in school in peoria, all my teachers were white females from small all white towns like canton,havana, Washington,rural east peoria, pekin, all these white females could never relate to what it is to be a african american male growing up in the inner city,they come from all white towns,ultra conservative lily white towns,they need to stay in tazwell county and teach their own white kids over there, district 150 needs more minority teachers

Friday, Dec 18 at 12:42 PM all white towns wrote ...

Its true all those white teachers from small towns in racist tazwell county. how can they begin to understand any minority student when they come from small ALL WHITE farming community with absolutely no people of color.

Friday, Dec 18 at 12:30 PM whitehairedcoach wrote ...

Hard to figure this one out. Kind of like the principal that was fired for "blowing the whistle" on the former principal. One would think 150 would be a bit smarter than this. They are in the red for millions, being sued for unethical incidents and they want to create a charter school? Better clean some serious house in that admin team(s) and regain some sort of credibility in the community, unless they don't think it is IMPORTANT. And ask for Cat for some assistance in PR. (Public Relations)

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