The subplot regarding Vice Principal Gaines is a really sharp and intelligent way to deconstruct systemic and institutionalized racism, esp. in the admin. level. This plays out at all levels of government, and the private sector, and obviously schools. This person who is in a position of power and influence uses that influence to make decisions that negatively impact those beneath him, based solely on race. Issa is conflicted, she knows it's wrong, but she wants to give him the pass, and also do something good for the kids, despite the behavior of Gaines.
It's so chillingly perfect that someone in here rationalized Gaines behavior using Trump admin, that is exactly the danger of people like him and what they represent, an excuse for hatred and racism. This is about how people can become infected with racism and how it affects innocent victims, who have done nothing wrong but being born Mexican, or black, or whatever race.