CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A school district long celebrated as a model for progressive education and racial equity now faces accusations that it tried to silence its own diversity chief for calling out uncomfortable truths.

In Today in Ohio’s latest podcast episode, co-hosts Leila Atassi and Laura Johnston unpacked the growing controversy in Shaker Heights, where Chief Diversity Officer Lawrence Burnley has filed a discrimination complaint against the district.

The irony wasn’t lost on the podcast hosts: a district that proudly reaffirms its commitment to racial equity is now accused of retaliating against the very person hired to advance that mission — for being too honest about racial disparities in student achievement.

“If the district isn’t afraid to say the words racial equity, then why

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