A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major public school system, alleging severe racial discrimination and retaliation that led to his wrongful termination. Susumu Uchiyama, the plaintiff, lodged this complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on December 16, 2024, targeting Chicago Public Schools (CPS) as the defendant.
Susumu Uchiyama, an Asian male who served as a Commandant for the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program at Air Force Academy High School (AFAHS), claims he was terminated due to discriminatory practices based on race and retaliation for reporting such incidents. The complaint highlights numerous instances where Uchiyama alleges that Yashika Tippett-Eggleston, the principal of AFAHS, made derogatory remarks and exhibited preferential treatment towards Black students over others. According to Uchiyama, Tippett-Eggleston openly expressed disdain for White men and Hispanic women in front of students and staff. He further accuses her of allowing Black students to bypass rules while imposing stricter standards on non-Black students.
Uchiyama asserts that despite performing his duties satisfactorily and receiving accolades for his work with the JROTC unit, he faced harassment from Tippett-Eggleston throughout his tenure from July 2023 until June 2024. The situation escalated when Uchiyama reported these discriminatory actions to CPS, only to have his complaints ignored or lost by human resources. Subsequently, he was informed that his contract would not be renewed because he had reported Tippett-Eggleston's conduct.
The lawsuit accuses CPS of violating several laws including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act concerning federally assisted programs, and the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). Uchiyama seeks various forms of relief from the court: reinstatement to his position with back pay and benefits; compensatory damages for emotional distress; implementation of policies by CPS to prevent future discrimination; attorney fees; and other equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Uchiyama is attorney Steven D. Horak from Buffalo Grove, Illinois. The case is presided over by Judge [Name not provided] under Case ID 1:24-cv-12897.