There's a local actor named Kathy Hsieh. In fact, she has even been featured by the Stranger.

https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2020/07/09/44053323/a-message-to-the-city-from-kathy-hsieh

Please clarify whether the woman who was promoted over Rucker is or is not the same person.

This guy didn't know? Cushy government jobs with ever-increasing promotions just because of seniority and not performance are solely reserved for white people. Just ask Suzy LeVine.

@1:

Why don't you just get off your lazy ass and do the work yourself? There's this amazing thing on the Interwebs called "teh Google", perhaps you've heard of it?

@3

The actor's biography that I found didn't identify her as working with the Office of Arts and Culture, but I just tried looking her up from the other direction. I didn't expect that the page for the Office would include photos and biographies but it does, and I'm sad to say that it does appear to be the same person.

https://www.seattle.gov/arts/about-us/staff

In any case, however, because of the potential for identities to be confused and reputations affected if they had turned out to be different people, I think it's a pretty important tidbit for the author of the post to have provided explanation.

@4:

Were you planning on trying to ruin Ms. Hsieh's reputation by attributing some fault or flaw to her? Because literally no one else has asked the question excepting yourself - probably because in this context it's completely irrelevant to the subject of the article.

@6 - How would it be trying to ruin her reputation if it was the actions of the director?

Never thought I'd see COMTE snap at seatackled.

@5 - That's not what it's about. I suggest a re-read.

@6

Based on your odd responses I surmise that you consider Hsieh a friend and you are trying to divert attention from what's been reported. This actually doesn't do Hsieh any favors, as it suggests you recognize that Rucker's experience as he describes it is a problem. Hsieh is not particularly famous, but she's well-known enough for me to have recognized the name that Rucker reported and for me to hope it wasn't the actor, because if Rucker's account is accurate, it's disappointing to hear of an artist of color being so dismissive of another artist of color..

In any case, if the identity of the person who became Rucker's direct supervisor is irrelevant, then you should take it up with Rucker for identifying her by name and with Jasmyne for further publicizing her name in the main post, not with me. But if you do take it up with either one of them, try not to be a fucking asshole about it.

@9:

Not at all. We're professional acquaintances, but nothing more. I'm simply pointing out that:

A. You asked a question you could easily have answered - and in fact eventually DID answer - yourself in a matter of seconds, so why would one not presume you had some ulterior motive in asking it in the first place, and;

B. Her status as an actor has absolutely nothing to do with her position at the City.

@9, Some of the worse racism black people have experienced has come from Chinese/Chinese Americans (which is not to say that all of them are racist against black people), so the dismissive behavior is not that big of a surprise.

Not denying that white supremacy culture is definitely an issue throughout this country, but taking one person's opinion over a lifetime of action in how Ms. Hsieh has shown up consistently for BIPOC artists and most definitely for Black artists and community seems especially unjust. It would be hard to find anyone in the local arts community who has been a more staunch supporter for Black, Indigenous, and all artists than Ms. Hsieh. As far as her supervision style, her team (inclusive of people of all races) nominated her and she was selected as a Champion Supervisor "as a City of Seattle supervisor that supervises with courage, connection, anti-racism, and excellence!”
“As a supervisor she is a constant inspiration. I think her ability to really listen and put herself in the place of others is one of her strongest assets. Kathy is a constant champion of racial equity and centering those most impacted in decision making. She centers this in her work with community as well as in how she supports the staff she supervises. She uplifts the leadership and strengths of each person on our team and advocates for those most impacted by any decision even when it’s not easy. Under her supervision I have learned so much about how to build trust, with the community we serve and are a part of as well as with our colleagues. She recognizes the leadership and expertise of each of her team members and has been willing to put herself on the line to stand-up for the work we do on behalf of community.”
People who want real equitable change should perhaps examine the structures and systems of oppression that set up a man of color against a woman of color in a no-win situation. It seems like it's our culture of judgment without seeking to understand what's underneath that wins again.

@12 There seems to be clear evidence that Kathy Hsieh behaved inappropriately - documented. Giving out psychiatric evaluations that are racist is not the behavior of someone who is an advocate for the Black community! "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome"
@12 you wrote "People who want real equitable change should perhaps examine the structures and systems of oppression that set up a man of color against a woman of color in a no-win situation." - not true. Kathy Hsieh was rewarded with a promotion and substantial salary increase. All she had to do was eliminate Rucker. She received a position that she didn't have to apply for (no open call - internal or external)

If you can't see the harm and impact on Mr.Rucker, this is concerning, and a part of the problem.

@13 I see the harm to both Rucker and Hsieh due to white supremacy culture and media that doesn't cover the full story. Based on what this article shows, your comments are probably what most reasonable people who also want equity would read into this story, so I do respect your opinion. But anyone who knows Hsieh and the work she has done will know this is not the full story. "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome" is a framework developed by a Black woman to encourage work places to have greater understanding for Black people to address the mental anguish Rucker speaks so movingly about. Having seen the full quote Hsieh wrote to HR in her effort to prevent the City from forcing her to reprimand him, the rest of the quote from Hsieh that was left out of the article was, "I sincerely think what will help the most in this situation is for him to be able to talk with someone that he feels safe with so that he can feel like he is being listened to." She was trying to stand up to the City to support him. From what I know, there were many trying to get her to fire Rucker and it was because she stepped in to push back against the City that he wasn't let go. For those who know Hsieh and what she has always done to stand up against City bureaucracy to support Indigenous, Black, Latina and Asian staff, we know that this article is not the full story. In fact, many felt she was too lenient and gave Rucker too much grace.
@13 Hsieh was the top finalist for that position in an open public call, but Rucker's previous supervisor got the job. When Melissa Hines passed away unexpectedly, they hired the next person selected by the hiring panel who was Hsieh. I don't blame anyone reading this article for coming to the conclusions they are. But I do think the media hasn't taken the time to do thorough research to portray the full story. And I do think that's an issue.

@13 You are making statements that need proof. Too many to name.

The use of "post traumatic slave syndrome" has been deemed racist by leading scholars including Ibram X. Kendi Please read: https://www.aaihs.org/post-traumatic-slave-syndrome-is-a-racist-idea/ Even the writer provided a link.

If Kathy Hsieh is correct and has documentation, than the Office of Arts and Culture could come out with a statement supporting your claims, and actions. Since she is your supervisor as you mentioned @12. Where is the statement of support for Katy Hsieh and her actions.

You work at the office, so I'm very weary of your bias for Kathy Hsieh. I'm also concerned about your lack of empathy for Mr. Rucker. You yourself are now part of the story by validating the harassment and dehumanization of Rucker.

For you to say "From what I know, there were many trying to get her to fire Rucker" is irresponsible and hearsay. You can't critique journalism and make potentially harmful statements like that. Back it up.

Whether Kathy was a finalist for the job in the past is not relevant. She was given the job without open call. Internal or External. And that is a fact, and that's also a problem.

Please have substantiated searchable facts. Otherwise, you and your office can do more harm.

Sorry-
@15 was meant for @14

@15 Thank you for the link. It is one I have read when it was first written. And in it, Ibram X. Kendi himself states "I must confess I was a PTSS theorist for most of my intellectual life. So in pinpointing their racist ideas, I am pinpointing my own racist ideas. DeGruy’s well-intentioned Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome hit bookstores the year I began my graduate school reading binge." The events this article is addressing happened 10 years ago when Kendi himself admits that he also believed in that theory and that it was a well-intentioned concept. DeGruy used the concept as a way to create greater empathy and understanding for Black people.
I agree that inequitable government systems need to change, and if you do look for searchable facts online, you'll find that Hsieh is one of the people working to make those changes.

@18
@19 Makes some good points, and misses some others.
Using a psychiatric diagnosis is unprofessional regardless. The article doesn't indicate that Hsieh has a degree in counseling or is a trained psychiatrist.
Imagine this scenario:
Hsieh writing up a white employee and diagnosing them with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and using that in the language for disciplinary action?
This too would be "sloppy and offensive"
If this were the situation, the case would have already gone to court - and settled - against the city. Actually no court, just settled.

When race theories are used as weapons, this is beyond problematic. From Eugenics to The Bell Curve (from the 1994) - These theories were used to imply racial inferiority. Hsieh used PTSS (Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome) to explain why Rucker "reacts defensively and does not act reasonably" - again, this is offensive and racist.

@17 also brings up a good question - Where was HR? They are partially to blame for letting these documents make their way to his file. These are legal documents.

What other things was Rucker written up for? Working 2.5 hours of overtime? Really?

This court of public opinion is not a place to come to a verdict on Hsieh or Rucker. Even with his piece being an "opinion" piece - no serious publication would publish without due diligence and a team of lawyers demanding proof. That would open them up to libel.

The issue is bigger than Hsieh or Rucker. City Light, Human Resources and many other departments in our city have had issues with racism and toxic workplaces. I don't see why the Seattle Office of Arts would be immune.

@21 I agree with your reasoning, but that was not the case. Hsieh did not write that document as an evaluation of Rucker. It was on a note to HR to convince them NOT to pursue action against Rucker. She was trying to save his job because HR and the City was trying to get Hsieh to reprimand Rucker for not following City policy and she was trying to stop that from happening. For better or worse, the City had just had Dr. Joy DeGruy do trainings with City staff about her framework. We can now see 10 years later that as Kendi points out, there are some issues with that type of analysis. But at the time, Dr. DeGruy was presenting it as a way for City employees to NOT penalize employees because of their race. Knowing Hsieh, I'm sure she was referencing the framework because that would have been something HR would have understood.
@21 I also agree with you that this issue is really with government and all of our institutions that cause harm to people of color no matter where they work. Both for reasons of racism and patriarchy. I actually think we're on the same side so appreciate your points.

The most serious policy broken here is by Kathy Hsieh. Papering a file is illegal. How HR allowed her to do this is also an issue. It sets the city up for more litigation because of poorly trained managers. Who has to pay for this? We do! I'm tired of the city paying out lawsuits for stupidity!

Anyone who actually took the time to look at the public record files of what happened would see that those documents were required by the City as part of HR policy. Hsieh was required to complete those documents otherwise she would have been reprimanded by the City. Many in the Office at the time saw that her biggest heart-ache was when she was left no choice but to do as HR and the City demanded because Rucker chose not to follow City policy. Her recommendation in that write-up was to justify why Rucker should NOT be reprimanded and instead should have a safe, supportive work environment. It's always easier to blame someone specific, when it's the city process that's at issue.

"Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome" & we just gonna gloss over that line? This is a hot mess.

These events were 10 years ago, when PTSS was in the diversity and inclusion community vernacular. Why do you assume she’d use the phrase now? Something is missing from this story—namely, her side and those who worked with her and him back then, and those who have experienced her tireless work on racial equity. And his understanding of his part in all this is missing and likely the reason he has not moved on. Papering of files happens, pushing people out happens, racial discrimination happens. But this smear on Ms. Hseih, an empathetic advocate, who has surely learned from this and other experiences in the last decade, diminishes those stories.

Maybe Kathy Hsieh was suffering from “Chinese Exclusion Act Syndrome” when she decided to make that diagnosis?
How can you use a theory from a book that was respected by a small handful of people and never legitimized by the medical field to write about an employee you’re supervising? Especially when you’re linking his “unreasonable” actions to that diagnosis? WTF!
Don't try to hide behind an acronym. PTSS? Let's spell it all the way out, “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome”. As #28 said- This is a hot mess!!
She may be a decent person. She might have learned. Maybe we should hear from her? No matter the case, she screwed up, and maybe the other documentation shows even more screw ups by her and Rucker! Sure there’s probably a lot more information that we will never know. Just commenting on her asinine statement.

The other issue is why are the other men not being called out? Kitch, Mayor McGuinn.

White men win again!! Yay for us!!

Would Hsieh have diagnosed a white employee with Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome? Even if her intention was to help Rucker avoid discipline, she discriminated against him by describing his conduct in racialized terms.

Treat everybody equally, folks, it’s just not that hard.

30 and 32 - Correct!

Hsieh used the term “post traumatic slave syndrome” to harm. There’s no indication she used it to “help” Rucker not get in trouble. Smells like bullshit.
This is the problem with fake liberals and progressives in Seattle. You are quick to demonize racism and scream BLACK LIVES MATTER until you need to resort to racism for advancement!
Maybe it’s not about race? Maybe it’s not black or white? Maybe there’s more of a simple explanation? Maybe it’s green? Seems like from the article Hsieh got a promotion and didn’t have to compete against anybody for the job! That’s some bs itself, and it smells like more than racism.

Everyone's playing guessing games based on an op-ed and a one-sided story that didn't even try to pretend to be an investigative piece. Rucker's premise was for folks to address white supremacy culture and yet most are playing right into what white supremacy culture is designed to do - divide people of color, while those in power (white men) have the privilege of setting everything in motion and then sitting outside the blame game. McGinn as Mayor created a lot of turmoil for many staff across the City. The environment in many departments was tense to toxic as he threatened to eliminate and consolidate City offices. Positions were getting slashed, especially at the mid-Manager level. Those were not the desirable positions at that time. Those positions are unprotected unlike the ones Rucker and Hsieh were already in.
Kitch and Rucker butted heads from the moment Kitch started as Director for the Office. Neither was willing to back down. No one wanted that supervisor job. Certainly not Rucker. He would have hated the idea of having Kitch become his direct supervisor, not to mention the volume and type of work that position entailed. That position was not perceived as a promotion in that Office at that time. It was perceived as a huge headache no one wanted. Hsieh refused it several times before finally acquiescing. If we really want to address White Supremacy Culture, maybe we should look deeper than the click-bait surface story where the biggest debate seems to be about a term that has evolved in how it's used and looked at now as compared to ten years ago. Maybe we should be discussing the men in positions of power who created a workplace environment that was incredibly stressful and created a lot of mental anguish for many City employees at all job levels. Maybe we should be looking at why we even have hierarchical systems of supervision in the first place.

Kathy Hsieh participated in white supremacy and anti- Blackness.
Mr. Rucker wrote about anti-Blackness and how this behavior is encouraged and rewarded.
The story of Hsieh and her behavior is a prime example of her reaping the benefits of anti-Blackness.
Hsieh papered his file and engaged in behavior that is illegal and unethical. You can blame white men, but she did their bidding.
Kathy Hsieh is NOT the victim here. Framing her as the victim is another clear example of anti- Blackness.
Unfortunately- most people on this thread don’t understand their own complicity by trying to make Hsieh the victim and Rucker the “bad man”…..
I also think Rucker would never have written this piece if Hsieh was really trying to “help” him with the write ups. BTW- That’s also insulting….. telling the Black man he’s not smart enough to see when someone is trying to help him……Yep. That’s also racist.

@36 - Wow - You're the first person to mention anything along the lines of "Rucker being the "bad man"" or "telling the Black man he's not smart enough to see.. . . " Why would you even jump to such conclusions or words that sound like anti-Black bias? I was supporting Rucker's point about white supremacy culture and bringing up that if we're going to dismantle white supremacy culture then we need to get to the root of the problem which is to start looking at the way white supremacy works. Even having you bring up words like you did in relation to Rucker is pretty troubling and racist that your mind would even go there.

My point was that people of color and women are often the ones that BOTH get harmed in systems of white supremacy. In anti-racism work, things are rarely the either/or binary that you seem to be alluding to. Saying that a woman of color was put into a position that no one wanted in no way denies that a Black man was also harmed by those same systems of white supremacy.

@37 - “Wow” - Yes I’m the first person to mention the microaggressions and unsubstantiated misinformation you’ve posted throughout this thread against Rucker. Actually, several others have expressed concern about the validity of your information. Your response to my post was exactly the reaction of someone who doesn't fully understand the shortcomings of anti-racist training. This also emphasizes your inability or unwillingness to address anti- Blackness and how it seems to permeate through the City of Seattle and your office. Durkan hasn’t really helped the city at all by blaming Black Lives Matter for her shitty performance as a Mayor.

You wrote:
“Even having you bring up words like you did in relation to Rucker is pretty troubling and racist that your mind would even go there.”
Not possible for me to be racist.
If you’ve done your homework, you’ll know why.

You mentioned earlier that you have an affiliation with the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. You’ve made yourself the spokesperson for the office. Probably without their approval. Through your postings you’ve convinced me and others that you don’t have good intentions for Rucker and you’re trying to create a false equivalence in the harm. You’re the one gasping for air because the article Rucker wrote was a mic drop on the failures of the City of Seattle, Office of Arts & Culture and the Race and Social Justice Initiative.

PhotoHero or Office of Arts & Culture - Rucker is owed an apology from the Office for Arts and Kathy Hsieh. If you think this is just going away, think again. There are members of the art community, and the community in general that are truly disappointed with your lack of meaningful response. You may continue to exist as an organization, but you’re not going to be looked at in the same way.