Criminal Case Still Under Review — Assault Referral Remains Active

The Seattle Times has reported an important update regarding the criminal investigation into SEA President Ibijoke Mitzi Idowu-Holiday.

According to the article:

“The student’s parents reported the alleged abuse to the Seattle Police Department, which conducted its own investigation.”  

The article further reports according to a decline memo obtained by The Seattle Times:

“The only applicable crime here is assault 4th degree, which is a misdemeanor.”

Importantly, this was not the end of the criminal case.  Rather than closing the matter, the King County Prosecutor returned the case to the Seattle Police Department, which then referred it to the Seattle City Attorney's Office.  As of the publication of the article, no charging decision had yet been made.

Under Washington law, Assault in the Fourth Degree is a gross misdemeanor. If convicted, a person may face up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000, in addition to other potential legal consequences.

The article also notes that the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) had not yet received a complaint from Seattle Public Schools regarding Idowu-Holiday.  If SPS ultimately determines that professional misconduct occurred, the district may submit a complaint to OSPI's Office of Professional Practices, which has authority to investigate educator certification and determine whether disciplinary action against an educator's certificate is warranted.

Our petition is not about prejudging the outcome of any criminal or licensing process. It is about accountability, transparency, and ensuring SEA members have the opportunity to decide whether their union should continue under its current leadership in light of the district's substantiated findings and the ongoing proceedings.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this effort.  As of Friday, July 31, the petition has reached 454 verified signatures.

Works Cited
Bryan, Claire. "Seattle teacher, union president, responds to report she 'likely' harmed student." The Seattle Times, 24 July 2026.