Tags Group
I have been named as a third party or a potential witness in an investigation. Must I appear for an interview?
Yes! When called by the Department of Education, all third party and potential witnesses must appear and be cooperative. Remember that all DOE employees are mandated reporters. Members should have a discussion with the UFT Staff Representative...
If I am the person who made an original allegation, or I was interviewed as a witness, will my name be disclosed?
Yes! If allegations are substantiated, an employee has a right to read the report. All adults who were interviewed will have their names disclosed.
I have been cleared of an allegation. Will the allegation appear in my personnel file?
No. Unsubstantiated allegations should not appear in a member's file. Members should review their file at regular intervals. If there is material in the file that should not be included, members should contact their Chapter Leader immediately for...
Is an investigation report placed in my school personnel file?
Only material signed by members may be placed in your file. If you receive a letter to your file about the alleged misconduct, then the report, if referred to in the letter, will appear in the file as attachment to the letter.
What happens if allegations against me are substantiated?
For Probationary Pedagogues and all other administrative titles (including Paraprofessionals), the agencies will make a recommendation to the Principal (or other supervisor for non-school based members) about potential discipline. For Tenured...
How long can the investigation process take?
Investigations can be rather lengthy. The internal agencies within the DOE may take as long as 6 months. SCI, the external agency, can take as long as a year. If an investigation goes beyond these time frames, members should discuss with their...
My Principal asked what happened when I had an interview with an investigator. Do I have to tell the Principal?
No! The investigation is confidential. The Principal is not permitted to interfere with the investigation. If this occurs, members should notify the UFT representative who accompanied you on the interview who will then notify the investigator.
Must I take time off to attend an interview with an investigator?
No! Interview time is official business. You must be given time to attend the interview, reasonable travel time and lunch time. The Principal / Supervisor MUST not interfere with the investigation process. If the Principal attempts to interfere with...
How can I expedite the investigation process?
Members should notify the UFT immediately upon being contacted by an investigatory agency. The UFT will arrange for an interview with the investigator. Depending on the agency’s availability, this process may take several days. A UFT staff...
I have been contacted by an Investigator. What are my next steps?
Contact the UFT. A Representative will assist you. The UFT will determine who is conducting the investigation and depending upon the agency, will assign either an attorney (for SCI) or a representative (for OSI and OEO) to assist you.