New York City passed an ordinance that would offer legal protections to school staff if they whistle blow on illegal practices in schools. However, Mayor Bloomberg has indicated that he will veto this law claiming that it would give teachers and other staff a tool to hold over administrative staff.
It would seem a simple matter of legislative draftsmenship to either not allow any protections if the charges have no reasonable basis, or to build in other legal penalties if the law was abused. There are other whistle blower acts that could be used as a model.
Under the mayor's analysis, the best way to improve schools would be to keep everything in-house not subject to legal outside scrutiny. So much for transparency in governance and Justice Brandeis' dicta that "Sunshine is the best disinfectant." Perhaps as one reader who commented on a earlier post on this topic, whistleblowing protection will become a matter of Federal law; it certainly is needed.
"Mayor Bloomberg has indicated that he will veto this law claiming that it would give teachers and other staff a tool to hold over administrative staff." I would love an example of what a "teacher could hold over administrative staff."
The law should be federal. I hate all the passive-agressive comments that come from teachers (and even administrators) this time of year. "We're really all on the same side," or "You're such a good advocate!" Gag. Just say what you believe!! Tell parents the truth and you get to keep your job. Wouldn't that be nice...
Posted by: Mekei | April 16, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Oh, come on! Why would we possibly want illegal activity surfacing? (note the dripping sarcasm) It seems that according to certain politicians sweeping things under the rug makes for better education. I can forsee the mayor, stepping onto the podium in the future when some alleged illegal activity comes to light, and saying, "If only we had more accountability," and "It was all my predecessor's fault."
Lovely thing, politics!
Posted by: Ed U. Cayshun | April 30, 2007 at 07:35 PM