An Open Letter to SEA President Ibijoke Idowu: Our Union Deserves Answers

Dear SEA President Ibijoke Idowu,

The Seattle Education Association (SEA) belongs to its members. Its legitimacy rests on democratic governance, accountability, transparency, and the trust of the educators it represents.

Today, serious questions remain unanswered about your continued eligibility to serve as president of our union.

We have received information indicating that Seattle Public Schools has issued you a formal notice of discharge, reportedly effective at the end of October 2026. 

Our union's bylaws are not ambiguous about the importance of membership eligibility.

Article II, Section 2.4.1 establishes that active members have the privilege of holding office, subject to other qualifications. Article III, Section 3.1.2 establishes active membership as a qualification for elected officers.

These provisions raise a straightforward question: If your employment with Seattle Public Schools ends, under what provision of the SEA Bylaws would you remain eligible to serve as president?

We recognize that the bylaws also establish procedures governing vacancies and succession. We are asking SEA leadership to explain publicly how those provisions would apply to your circumstances.

On October 9, 2026, SEA members formally requested clarification from SEA and WEA leadership regarding your status and continued eligibility. Members deserve a substantive written response.

These questions arise against the backdrop of a member-initiated presidential recall petition formally submitted to SEA on August 24, 2026. Throughout this process, close to one thousand members have sought clear answers about their rights under the bylaws, the verification of petition signatures, and the procedures governing a recall election.

Too many of those questions remain unresolved.

President Idowu, this is an opportunity to demonstrate the transparency and accountability that union leadership requires.

We ask you to clarify the status and effective date of the reported employment action, explain the basis for your continued eligibility to hold office if your SPS employment ends, and ensure that SEA and WEA provide members with a written interpretation of the applicable bylaws.

We also ask that the member-initiated recall process be administered fairly, consistently, and without retaliation against members exercising their democratic rights.

No elected union officer should be above the governing rules of the organization they were elected to serve.

The Seattle Education Association represents thousands of dedicated educators who work every day to serve Seattle's students and families. They deserve leadership that respects the union's democratic institutions and responds directly to legitimate questions.

This is not simply a question about one individual. It is a question about the integrity of our union.

President Idowu, please answer these questions openly and allow the membership to evaluate the answers.

Our union belongs to its members. Its rules must apply equally to everyone.

SEA Members