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Residents and district retirees urge board to investigate alleged staff racial remark and retaliation
Summary
Public commenters told the board that a district employee was called “here comes the roach,” alleged a Title VII protected-class slur and subsequent retaliation that forced an employee to choose resignation or termination; callers urged an objective investigation before any employment action.
Public commenters at the Georgetown County School District meeting on Tuesday urged the board to investigate allegations that a staff member was subjected to a racial slur and retaliated against after reporting it.
Kim Smith, introduced by the chair as a public commenter, told the board an employee "was called, 'here comes the roach,'" and said that remark targeted a protected class under Title VII. Smith said the employee who reported the incident faced what she described as retaliation and later was given the choice to resign or be terminated.
"That is a complete violation for a protected class under the Title VII," Smith said, adding that she was "very disturbed" that the reported incident did not prompt a proper investigation and that the employee had since been penalized.
Dr. Milton told the board the employee had no prior discipline, received no formal warning and was not investigated before being removed from duty. "You don't do the investigation once you have terminated the employee," the doctor said, urging the board to examine whether the action was taken because of association or other improper motives.
Several other speakers—including a district retiree—echoed calls for the board to "investigate and research this information" and to avoid allowing "personal agendas" to overshadow student needs. The chair reminded speakers not to discuss specific personnel by name during public comment.
Why it matters: The speakers framed the issue as both a personnel-process concern and an equity matter, saying that alleged derogatory language and a lack of fair procedure could affect workplace climate and, they argued, the district’s treatment of students.
What the board said: The chair acknowledged the comments and indicated the board heard the concerns. The meeting proceeded to board business and an executive session later in the agenda; following that closed session the board took several personnel actions (see related article on board votes and appointments).
Next steps: Speakers asked the board to investigate before any employment decision becomes final. The district did not provide immediate public details on any investigation during the open meeting; the board moved into executive session later for personnel matters.
