Video: Controversial school administrator loses job

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SEATTLE – Caprice Hollins has been one of the most controversial figures in the Seattle School District.

As Director of the Office of Equity, Race and Learning Support, she has come under fire numerous times and now she's out of a job.

"Sometimes we have to put things out there that create discomfort and sometimes I have to take a few hits or others who do the work. It's a part of it," she said. "I began to feel like I was more a problem or an agitator than I was part of the team."

Last November, Collins was criticized for sending a letter to teachers reminding them that Thanksgiving is "a time of mourning" for many Native Americans.

"One of the things people were saying about me personally is that Caprice was trying to take Thanksgiving away and I said the letter says we're not telling you not to celebrate Thanksgiving," she said.

Then again a year ago, the district was investigated for using grant money to send teachers and students to the "White Privilege Conference." While the decision was made by a committee, the name alone turned many people off.

"Talk to me about this white privilege idea and then form some judgment, then make some decisions. I was disappointed by that. I was surprised, but I was disappointed that people weren't interested in learning more," she said.

Despite all the criticism, Collins has few regrets. She is a passionate educator, proud of her positive work. And with an issue like racism, Collins says she'd rather not mince words but encourage discussion.

"In times like this I think of Martin Luther King, I think about activists who've come before me that have worked to create the changes and progress in our work today, and I know that their work was never easy," she said.

The district says Hollins' job was one of 16 positions eliminated to save money and her duties will be spread across several other positions.

Hollins will work for the district until the end of August.