UC Removal of Principal Hagstrom from Walt Disney School

My sister works at this school and she has told me about the repeated abuse and racial bias by the principal. In her first year of teaching at Disney, after asking for more information and support, she was told be the principal after the CAC show that “maybe she does not belong here.”

I have heard all of the stories for years. I can’t believe she has lasted this long! If this were a Fortune 500 company, she would have been fired a long time ago for much less! It is ridiculous that she is still employed by CPS. I mean, to tell someone that they are lucky they got the job due to affirmative action is reason enough! To tell someone someone they need to lose weight is reason enough! To tell someone their legs are too pale is reason enough! And there are Many many more comments and actions that should warrant her resignation or removal.

I’m a student of WDMS she’s very racist and rude. I had a sub one day that was an African American, who had his hat on because it was cold in our building. She came upstairs in a rude manner and said take that hat of now he said no then she said don’t bother coming back here again. Instead of her renovating the school she decides to go on vacation and spend all the money on that smh. Dr. Riskus or Mrs. Snikeris would most definitely be a better principle than that person who we name our principal

I recently graduated 8th grade and Dr. Hagstrom would always be a complete douchebag towards my favorite teacher and just know that she isn’t white and I have been on hagstrom’s bad side and she is really rude to me(since I’m asian) also I heard that if a white person went on hagstrom’s bad side she would be polite about it. I’m honestly disgusted with Disney bc it’s filled with toxic people(students and teachers).

She’s been racist it’s about time something is not only said but done. As well as her assistant principals

This woman needs to be removed. There is no place for a person like this in any school! No teacher or child should be abused by a principal or anyone else. What is wrong with the board? Who is allowing this woman to continue this abuse and why?

Many good teachers retired becsuse if Dr. Kathleen Hagstrom!

I have volunteered at the school and witnessed uncomfortable encounters between the principal and teachers

I have witnessed her harassing and abusive behavior towards parents and students, primarily those of color who have kids with disabilities. This is a long overdue move.

I am a former, tenured, Disney teacher, and I could not agree more with this petition. I watched many of my colleagues get harassed throughout my tenure at the school. My first week as a Disney teacher and as an educator, Dr. Hagstrom accused me of sexually harassing a colleague by giving him a can of soda. And after wearing sandals on a 100 degree day, I was accused of having promiscuous feet. Additionally, I watched her marginalize and discriminate against my students with disabilities for years. They were prevented from attending events and luncheons because they did not properly represent the “model” Disney student that Dr.. Hagstrom deems acceptable. Finally, I was involved in planning the holiday party in which the “coon urine” gift was given . Dr. Hagstrom did not attend the party and blamed me for the negative reception of her incredibly racist gift. This petition is necessary and long overdue.

The reputation of Disney Magnet School’s administration amongst educators and clinicians across the CPS is very, very bad. Hagstrom’s bullying has been rumored for years by folks across CPS and I’m so supportive of teachers, support staff, clinicians and parents who are working under these conditions. You all deserve better. Another Disney is possible.

My son attended Walt Disney for 2 years and then I transferred him. Dr. Hagstrom was a devil then and it appears she's still a racist devil. It's time to retire Dr. Hagstrom. Besides, she's got to be about 100 years old.

As a parent of 2 Disney students (both graduated). Its sad that her behavior continues. I wish you luck in her removal.

I can attest that I notice patterns in how classrooms are “built” each year. I have such immense respect and appreciation for the amazing teachers my “challenging” student has had over the years, but I do wish that these teachers could come to work each day knowing they’re going to be be supported and challenged (in a positive growth manner), not underestimated, undermined and abused.

this is good

I know someone who works there and the principal is a racist, verbally abusive person. I have seen and heard firsthand how staff is mistreated and have to endure racist commentary.

I've heard and seen what Hagstrom has done. Used the emergency fore escape area to park her car, has gone against many rules that should be followed by a CPS principal and other various acts.

I attended Disney years ago and Hagstrom was an evil woman then. I see it’s even worse now!

My daughter teaches at Disney. I want her treated with respect.

As an extremely abusive, racist and sexist principal, Kathleen Hagstrom should not be allowed around children.