White Teacher Sues Union Over Alleged Racial Discrimination in Leadership Position

Isaac Newman, a history teacher in California's Elk Grove Union School District, alleges the National Education Association (NEA) affiliate discriminated against him based on his skin color by creating an executive position exclusive to candidates of color. Newman has filed a Title VII civil rights lawsuit against the union, arguing that the "BIPOC At-Large" seat violates his rights.

Isaac Newman, a White history teacher in the Elk Grove Union School District in California, has filed a federal lawsuit against his local National Education Association (NEA) affiliate, alleging racial discrimination. Newman claims that the NEA created an executive board seat exclusively available to candidates of color, barring him from running for the position.

In his lawsuit, Newman alleges that in 2023, the Elk Grove Education Association (EGEA) voted to establish a "BIPOC At-Large" seat on its executive board. The position is limited to individuals who "self-identify" as members of specific ethnic groups, including African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic.

Newman, who is White, expressed outrage over the alleged discrimination, stating, "It's disgusting, and that's why I'm suing." He argued that the decision violated his civil rights under Title VII, which prohibits employers and unions from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

The lawsuit, filed by The Fairness Center, a legal group representing individuals harmed by public-sector union officials, argues that the "BIPOC Position" is unlawful and violates Newman's right to equal treatment under the law.

Newman claims that the union's alleged discrimination is part of a larger issue within society's culture, citing the prevalence of critical race theory (CRT). He believes that CRT focuses on skin color rather than individual expertise and knowledge and that it sends a damaging message to students.

The lawsuit seeks a declaration from the court that the "BIPOC Position" is illegal and an injunction preventing the union from creating similar positions in the future where candidate eligibility is based on race.

Newman expressed concerns about the future of society if such divisive ideologies are perpetuated. "I'm actually really frightened for my children," he said, "when we look to a future where people are being taught [critical race theory]."

He emphasized that he is not alone in his opposition to DEI ideology in school districts, but that many teachers are afraid to speak out. "Most people who think like me are unwilling to speak up," he said.

The Elk Grove union did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Nathan McGrath, President and general counsel of The Fairness Center, emphasized the importance of upholding anti-discrimination laws in organizations like teachers' unions. "Teachers’ unions don’t get a pass from laws that prohibit racial discrimination," he said. "The Civil Rights Act explicitly forbids unions from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin and from segregating members based on these attributes."