Former Safety Director Sues Evanston Township High School
The lawsuit alleges wrongful termination and racial discrimination following the director's departure from the district.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Former Evanston Township High School safety director Loyce Spells has filed a federal lawsuit against District 202. The suit alleges wrongful termination and racial discrimination following his tenure from July 2023 until June 8, 2026.
Why it matters
The lawsuit brings focus to the administrative practices and internal workplace climate within Evanston Township High School District 202. Families may be interested in how these leadership allegations affect school operations and safety department oversight.
The lawsuit, filed following the dismissal of a discrimination charge by the Illinois Equal Opportunity Employment Commission on September 3, 2026, highlights internal disputes regarding hiring practices. Loyce Spells claims over 20 years of prior experience as an Evanston Police officer.
The players
Loyce Spells
The former safety director for District 202 and a veteran of the Evanston Police Department.
Evanston Township High School District 202
The public school district serving the Evanston community and the defendant in the lawsuit.
Marcus Campbell
The Superintendent of District 202 named as a party for allegedly failing to investigate internal complaints.
Taya Kinzie
The principal of Evanston Township High School named in the complaint regarding administrative oversight.
Scott Bramley
The Associate Superintendent who allegedly pressured the plaintiff to favor specific candidates during hiring.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that District 202 leadership, including Superintendent Marcus Campbell and principal Taya Kinzie, failed to address complaints regarding an outside consultant who conducted racial affinity trainings. Spells asserts that he faced undue scrutiny and eventual termination after refusing to align with alleged discriminatory hiring mandates communicated by Associate Superintendent Scott Bramley. The plaintiff seeks remedies including back pay, compensatory damages, and reinstatement.
Timeline
July 2023: Loyce Spells begins service as safety director.
2024: Spells attends required racial affinity trainings.
November 2025: Superintendent Campbell sends an email regarding expectations.
February 2026: Spells files an internal complaint.
June 8, 2026: Spells is terminated from his position.
The Home Front
This lawsuit tests the application of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 within local educational governance. It highlights the growing importance of transparency in administrative hiring and internal complaint reporting for school districts across the state.
Families concerned about school safety leadership may want to monitor upcoming board meetings for discussions regarding district administrative policies. Parents can review public school district budgets and oversight records to understand how departments like campus safety are structured.
The takeaway
This case underscores the legal complexities that can arise when internal school employment policies clash with federal labor regulations. Residents should stay informed about school board minutes to track changes in district hiring and safety management protocols.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic policy and governance in our Secondary Education section.
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