National and International Attention Continues to Grow

This week, the story expanded beyond local and regional media.  Following reporting by The Seattle Times, KING 5, KIRO 7, and FOX 13 Seattle, Daily Mail  have now reported on the Seattle Public Schools investigation and its findings, bringing international attention to the case. 

According to Seattle Public Schools' completed investigation, the district concluded it was "more likely than not" that SEA President Ibijoke Idowu physically abused a student, including grabbing a child hard enough to leave bruising.  The investigation also substantiated multiple violations of district policy and referred the matter for personnel review. 

At the same time, we have been informed by one of the affected families that a civil claim has now been filed and shared with members of the media.  We also understand that the district's employment process is continuing. Those legal and employment matters remain separate from this petition and will proceed through their respective processes.

This petition is about union governance and accountability.  

It seeks to give SEA members the opportunity to decide, through the democratic process established in our bylaws, whether the current president should remain in office.

Thank you to every SEA member who has signed, shared the petition, and encouraged colleagues to participate.

Works Cited:

Daily Mail. “Seattle Washington Rising Star Elementary School Teacher Physical Abuse Student.” Daily Mail, 2026, https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16010615/amp/seattle-washington-rising-star-elementary-school-teacher-physical-abuse-student.html Accessed 28 July 2026.

FOX 13 Seattle. “Seattle Public Schools Confirms Teacher, Union President Harmed Students.” FOX 13 Seattle, 17 July 2026. 

KIRO 7 News. “Investigators Release Report of Teacher ‘Grabbing’ and ‘Yelling At’ Disabled Students.” KIRO 7 News, 17 July 2026.