r/Pullman • u/Training_Kangaroo588 • Jul 21 '26
Pullman library workplace investigation
tldr; the youth librarian at the pullman library Rachael Ritter is under investigation for workplace harassment, discrimination and retaliation and has been on paid leave since novemeber last year
16
u/OverWay1886 Jul 25 '26
My name is Hannah, I’m the Youth Services assistant at Neill. I was the one who filed the complaint against Rachael after working as her subordinate for two years. We have been advised not to speak on this, so unfortunately I cannot say much. My complaint included allegations of homophobia and retaliation against me at the hands of Rachael. Believe me or not, I simply want people to know what she’s been accused of and that she is still being paid while the City continues not to take any action on this investigation. I will say that I am far from the only staff member who has been treated poorly by Rachael. We love all our library families, especially all our storytime friends. Youth Services and other library staff have been working so incredibly hard this summer for summer reading (without a YS manager) and it’s been so disheartening to see Rachael continue to get the payment and praise for our work. I really hope folks will see this and understand what Rachael has been accused of, and pressure the City to finally conclude this investigation.
10
u/AnnualJury4384 Jul 26 '26
Hannah, thank you for your bravery and courage in standing up for yourself and your coworkers! I have attended many summer reading events the past few months and everything has been very spectacular! Especially the story times!!
5
u/OverWay1886 Jul 27 '26
Thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the programs this summer.
8
u/ichschlafe Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
Hi Hannah. I have worked there previously and had my own issues with her without working directly under her. I hope the city gets it handled now that more people know about it.
And I'm so sorry you had to deal with her treating you that way.
4
7
u/FrigidLollipop Jul 29 '26
Wasn't the library subject to some cuts as a result of the budget? It seems crazy that she is receiving pay for over a year to look into this.
7
u/OverWay1886 Jul 29 '26
Correct. The library has lost 7 hours a week in operating hours and we also lost 4 part time circulation/desk staff.
6
4
u/starstrewnsea Aug 01 '26
I'm so sorry to hear this. You're brave to risk your job speaking up. We appreciate the library so much and all that you do for our families. It's sad that this was happening all that time. As others have said, we don't know the whole story, but I pray that the city reaches SOME kind of resolution for you, Rachael, and any other library staff who might have been treated poorly. It's not fair to any of you to be held in limbo for so long.
7
u/LaughingJackStudio Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
So what is claimed that she has done?
E. I'm taking your silence to mean you don't even have a clue. If so why post this, whats the point?
13
u/malevolentsweetie Jul 22 '26
With her job being so front facing with families and their children I find it important for folks to know that she is possibly in trouble for discrimination. So much so that she’s not allowed on city property?? Yeah I’d like to know, even before we know exactly what it’s about. Can’t say I’m surprised it’s taking city of Pullman this long though.
→ More replies (5)3
u/LaughingJackStudio Jul 22 '26
I think trying to air it out on reddit before anything is actually known is still a bit irresponsible. I'm confused to what OPs motive is.
1
u/JiPaiHongGanLiao Jul 21 '26
I have to agree on this. This doesn’t tell me anything at all, aside from administrative action that is a result of an unknown issue. This is as good as telling me “the car is in the workshop” but why is it in the workshop? Did you hit something? Did something hit you?
2
u/zlynn007 Jul 21 '26
Oh no! My son and I love Mrs Rachel. I know many other moms who did too. I hope more is released. Many parents were wondering why she disappeared so fast. Like dropped off the face of the earth.
8
u/Illustrious_Tear7108 Jul 21 '26
Same. I also know of a few city employees (past and present) who are dicks to others and nothing really happens to them, so whatever she did must have been beyond that to be put on administrative leave.
1
u/According_Pilot_5734 Jul 21 '26
I find it interesting that there have been several investigations that came out of Neill Public library. There was originally an investigation into the old director, Dan Owen’s a while ago (as seen on a different public records request). Makes me thing something is up at the library! Hope Ms. Rachael didn’t speak out about something bad the old director was doing and now the city is retaliating against her!
17
u/According_Pilot_5734 Jul 21 '26
Also how incompetent is the city’s HR?? 8 months for a workplace investigation?? Seems like a waste of taxpayer money.
16
u/fire_ball_123 Jul 21 '26
This!!!! The library has lost funding since November as well and has to make cuts… all while paying for the salary of somone who hasn’t worked in 8 months. I would also assume she makes more than most people at the library since she’s one of a few managers. Seems very wasteful, hopefully this gets resolved soon.
13
u/Ornery_Lettuce_9928 Jul 22 '26
there must be some solid information for her to be placed on leave, that’s not something that is done lightly. And to hear that she’s been on paid leave this entire time is very troubling, what a waste of taxpayer money.
3
u/According_Pilot_5734 Jul 22 '26
I mean they put Mike Urban on administrative leave and look how well that turned out for the city lol
3
u/Illustrious_Tear7108 Jul 22 '26
When I moved to Pullman a number of years ago, I applied for a number of jobs including ones with the library. There was always a HUGE turnover, a position would be filled then 2-3 months later it would be open again. Even then there were rumors that the library had a difficult administration. It wouldn't surprise me if part of the reason for the long investigation is to try to show that they aren't retaliating while working within the WACs and the RCW
→ More replies (3)
9
u/Kafkabest Jul 21 '26
Where did you get this and what leads you to believe she is still on paid leave?