Pendergraft’s Campaign Manager Removed from TSD Equity Committee
Haley Pendergraft’s campaign manager, Alicia Busch parted ways with the Tahoma School District’s “Equity Committee” today after racist videos surfaced of her on TikTok.
Here is the district’s statement on the situation.
Dear Tahoma families, staff and community,
Today we’re writing in response to a number of emails from concerned parents and community members about a volunteer who has served on the Equity Support Team. Yesterday we were made aware of a video compilation from the same volunteer’s personal TikTok account. The subject of the videos does not align with Tahoma’s equity goals or with the sense of belonging that we’re striving to create for each student, staff member and family in our community.
This afternoon, the volunteer offered to step away from the Equity Committee. The district and volunteer agreed that her withdrawal from this group is in the best interest of our students and Tahoma community at this time. We will continue working toward a school system that is welcoming, supportive and safe for every student and every adult.
Our Equity Committee consists of an Equity Support Team and five subcommittees. Altogether, the committees include more than 50 students, staff members, parents and community members.
Those who would like to read more about our equity work can access our Equity Department webpage here. For frequently asked questions, click here. Or, for a clearer understanding of what we are and are not doing in our equity work, click here.
As always, we appreciate your partnership.
Sincerely,
Mike Hanson, Superintendent
Emilie Hard, Director of Equity
