Everett superintendent sues mayor, school committee for racial discrimination and retaliation

EVERETT, Mass. — The soon-to-be former superintendent and deputy superintendent of Everett Public Schools are suing the mayor and the school committee for racial discrimination.

This lawsuit comes after Superintendent Priya Tahiliani‘s contract was not renewed following a school committee vote earlier this month.

Deputy Superintendent Kim Tsai and Tahiliani allege in the lawsuit they were “subjected to demeaning and racist comments, abusive and disparate treatment, and unjustified and highly subjective discriminatory and retaliatory attacks” by Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria. It claims the attacks partially came from the two refusing to maintain what they say is Everett’s “whites-only hiring policy.”

Their lawsuit alleges that DeMaria’s approach to the school committee changed drastically after Tahiliani and Tsai were appointed.

The complaint by Tahiliani and Tsai alleges secret surveillance cameras were put in the ceiling of the superintendent’s office. According to documents, the FBI had gone in and removed the cameras.

Tahiliani and Tsai have both filed charges of discrimination against DeMaria, the school committee and the city. Their lawsuit states the U.S. Department of Justice opened an investigation into discriminatory practices in Everett.

They are seeking damages and jury by trial.

Boston 25 has reached out to the city of Everett for a response but they are not commenting.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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