Dispute Over Children’s Re-Enrollment Ends with Undisclosed Settlement
A lawsuit filed by former First Lady Michelle Obama’s brother, Craig Robinson, and his wife, Kelly Robinson, against a prestigious private school in Milwaukee has been settled. The couple had accused the University School of Milwaukee (USM) of racial discrimination and inappropriate conduct after the school allegedly refused to reenroll their sons following complaints they raised about inequitable treatment.
Claims of Discrimination and Inappropriate Conduct
In the 2022 lawsuit, the Robinsons alleged that their children, aged 9 and 11 at the time, were not permitted to reenroll for the 2021-2022 school year after the couple voiced concerns over what they described as unequal treatment of students of color and those from socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. The Robinsons stated that, during virtual learning necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, they noticed assignments featuring racial and ethnic stereotypes, which they raised with school administrators.
School’s Position on Enrollment Decision
In response to the Robinsons’ claims, USM officials maintained that the enrollment decision was unrelated to complaints about discrimination. Steve Hancock, USM’s Head of School, asserted in a statement when the lawsuit was initially filed that their decision was based on the couple’s alleged “persistently disrespectful, bullying, or harassing behavior” toward staff and administrators. He claimed that the school’s administration was unable to tolerate such conduct directed at its employees.
Settlement Reached and Case Dismissed
The lawsuit was dismissed by Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Thomas McAdams this week, indicating a settlement had been reached. In a joint statement, the Robinsons and USM expressed regret over the dispute and acknowledged that it ultimately led to the Robinson children no longer being enrolled at the school. The statement described the children as “model students,” though neither party disclosed the terms of the settlement, and the Robinsons did not specify the damages sought in their lawsuit.