I'm suspicious

An administrator, who was a nationally recognized principal in Portland, has just received a big, big settlement from the city over an alleged racial discrimination charge.

Portland Public Schools has paid a nationally recognized administrator $155,000, two years of health insurance and six months salary to avert a claim that she was discriminated against because of her race and gender.

OK. The article doesn't say what the discrimination is, but made this interesting comment.

"I would be less than honest if I didn't say doing the settlement is a big statement that I believe that discriminatory practices, either intended or unintended, have occurred in the district," (Superintendent) Phillips said.

But the school district isn't claiming guilt either. Paying off the accuser means never having to say you're sorry.

Bryant's departure comes after a school year when she clashed with the principal of Sunnyside Environmental School -- a school Bryant supervised -- over student safety, school management and other issues. Sunnyside parents said Bryant raised questions about Principal Sarah Taylor's leadership.

Hmmmm.

Several sources said Bryant didn't feel supported by Phillips and the school board in the conflicts. Sources said Bryant felt her peer administrators were supported by district officials and the board in similar disputes at other Portland schools, and she alleged discrimination.

OK, color me skeptical that this isn't political. It could be legit, but the article doesn't really elaborate.
Is there still racial discrimination practiced in the United States. Short answer, Yes. But it's rare these days, and more rare still administratively, so when I hear about racial discrimination accusations thrown around for political purposes it really chaps my hide. The school district has gotten in trouble before for dishing out really large settlement packages to people being fired or leaving while threatening lawsuits, so I really hope this isn't just another case of that.