RPS employees demand action amid allegations of a toxic work environment

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Tensions were high at the latest Richmond School Board meeting, as several employees voiced concerns over what they describe as a toxic work environment -- as well as alleged discrimination -- within the district.

On Tuesday, Feb. 4, many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) employees demanded fair pay across the board and called for the removal of the Chief Talent Officer Maggie Clemmons.

Before the board meeting, payroll technician Lameeka Evans shared her frustration.

"Sometimes I feel used up and forgotten like a slave on a plantation -- that should not be the atmosphere that we're in,” Evans said.

She, alongside the other employees who gathered Tuesday night, expressed dissatisfaction with RPS leadership, citing overwork and discriminatory practices in the Talent and Finance department.

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Much of the criticism was directed at Clemmons, who has been in her role as Chief Talent Officer for several months. Shirley Maxwell, a substitute specialist, recalled a troubling encounter with Clemmons.

“Shortly after she started her role, we had a brief conversation where she mocked my accent in an extremely public area,” Maxwell said.

A 58-page document -- compiled by 18 workers -- outlined numerous allegations including racism, workplace bullying, verbal harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

Employees also claim they are being asked to take on additional duties beyond their job descriptions -- all without any extra support or compensation.

"We are being asked to do tasks of others, plus more outside of our official duties, with no additional support," one employee told 8News. "[Clemmons] has created a toxic environment."

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Evans also raised concerns about racial inequality in the distribution of opportunities within the district.

“We have seen our white colleagues get opportunities to be reclassified [or] reassigned to different positions without the role being posted, which is against our policy as Black women in the department," Evans said.

During the meeting, Clemmons was present -- but, when asked for comment on the accusations against her, she did not respond.

In response to these allegations, an RPS spokesperson issued a statement emphasizing the district’s commitment to handling employee grievances seriously. The statement read as follows:

“RPS takes all employee grievances and allegations of workplace misconduct seriously and follows all applicable policies and procedures for reporting and investigation. Part of those policies is a legal commitment to protecting employee privacy; therefore, we cannot comment on personnel matters.”

The ongoing allegations and calls for change have left many within the district wondering what steps will be taken next to address the concerns raised by employees.