Greece Central School District: Zero African American Teachers, Why?

The Greece Central School District located in Greece, New York is the 8th largest school district in the state, with 20% African American students and zero African American regular full time teachers. John Niles, an African American, worked as a per diem substitute teacher for the Greece Central School District from 2006-2009. Throughout that time he applied for full time teaching positions. He never got a job interview let alone a full time regular teaching position. Those teaching positions were filled by whites. Mr. Niles is a New York State permanently certified English Language Arts teacher, holder of a master of science in education diploma from Nazareth College of Rochester and is currently completing a doctorate in educational administration. In addition, he has years of teaching experience.

After years of feeling the hurt and pain of discrimination perpetrated by the Greece Central School District, Mr. Niles filed a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights regarding racial discrimination in hiring, against the Greece Central School District. In an ostensibly retaliatory action the Greece Central School District fired Mr. Niles.

When you examine the way in which the Greece Central School District handled Yolanda Hill, the fact that they have 20% African American students, zero African American full time regular teachers and their mistreatment of Mr. Niles clearly suggests that the Greece Central School District is becoming synonymous with racism. If you or anyone you know has had similar experiences with the Greece Central School District please contact us at MyraB@rochester.rr.com

Myra Brown

Spiritus Christi Anti Racism Coalition, S.P.A.R.C.

(585) 325-1180