Below is a letter from Supt. Robert Hill from the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind. Some people are calling this a "threatening" letter never mind the fact that teachers at ASDB are expected to display professional behaviors while on campus because ASDB belong to the public, not to the teachers. This letter is a simple reminder to those who insist otherwise. There is a difference when it comes to protesting on and off-campus. The letter noted that various levels of protesting were done on campus over the course of several weeks. Note the highlighted yellow below.
TO: All Schools Staff
FROM: Robert Hill, Superintendent
DATE: May 9, 2013
RE: Conduct Expectations in the ASDB Workplace and Schools
Over the past several weeks our schools have been involved in multiple levels of protests on and off campuses. While employees may voluntarily choose to participate in protests and related activities off campuses during non-work hours, employees are expected to maintain conduct during the school day and on campuses that promotes an environment conducive to learning, focuses on the approved curriculum, minimizes disruption, and ensures a safe and productive environment for staff and students. This communication is to remind all employees of specific policies in this regard.
Board Policy GBEB, Staff Conduct: All employees of the Schools are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with effective and orderly education and to protect students and Schools property. No employee shall, by action or inaction, disrupt any Schools activity or encourage any such disruption. All employees shall at all times attempt to maintain order, abide by the policies, rules, and regulations of the Schools, and carry out all applicable orders issued by the Superintendent. Potential consequences to employees of the Schools who violate these rules may include, but are not limited to:
• Removal from Schools grounds.
• Both civil and criminal sanctions, which may include, but are not limited to, criminal proceedings under Title 13, Chapter 29, of the Arizona Revised Statutes.
• Reprimand.
• Suspension.
• Dismissal.
Administrative Regulation GBEB-R, Staff Conduct: No employee while on or using Schools property, otherwise acting as an agent, or working in an official capacity for the Schools shall engage in:
Failure to comply with lawful direction of Schools officials, security officers, or any other law-enforcement officer, or failure to identify oneself to such officials or officers when lawfully requested to do so.
Any conduct that may obstruct, disrupt, or interfere with teaching, research, service, administrative, or disciplinary functions of the Schools, or any other activity sponsored or approved by the Board.
Maintain order in a manner consistent with Schools policies and regulations.
Dress and maintain a general appearance that reflects their position and does not detract from the educational program of the school.
Board Policy GBEA, Staff Ethics: All employees of the Schools are expected to maintain high standards in their school relationships...The employees acknowledge that the Schools belong to the public they serve for the purpose of providing educational opportunities to all. However, every employee assumes responsibility for providing leadership in the school and community. This responsibility requires the employee to maintain standards of exemplary conduct. It must be recognized that the employee’s actions will be viewed and appraised by the community, associates, and students. The Schools employees:
Make the well-being of students the fundamental value of all decision making and actions.
Maintain just, courteous, and proper relationships with students, parents, staff members, and others.
Fulfill job responsibilities with honesty and integrity.
Refrain from using school contacts and privileges to promote partisan politics, sectarian religious views, or propaganda of any kind.
Avoid using position for personal gain through political, social, religious, economic, or other influence.
The specific expectation is that all employees conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times as they carry out their duties and responsibilities. Conduct that negatively impacts staff and student morale and productivity, and that disrupts the work environment and the educational programming for students is strictly prohibited.
Employees are asked to be mindful of conduct that may be found to violate ASDB policies, including but not limited to the following:
Active or passive encouragement of students to refuse to comply with directions of any school official.
Active or passive encouragement of students to be out of classrooms for non- instructional or non-curriculum purposes (e.g., protesting, making protest signs/posters, allowing students to wear masks or T-shirts with inappropriate comments, etc.).
Obvious or subtle bullying, intimidation, and discourteous treatment of others who may not share the same opinions or views.
More obvious bullying and intimidating tactics may involve the display of signage, buttons, stickers, T-shirts with inappropriate comments, etc., in the workplace and/or in the schools.
More subtle bullying and intimidating tactics may involve an orchestrated effort to wear the same color T-shirts on the same day as an attempt to identify those who are for or against a specific point of view.
There are approximately two weeks of school remaining with many activities happening on both campuses including graduations. It is imperative that we make these last days of the school year meaningful and safe for all involved. Your cooperation is critical to fulfilling our commitment to students and to closing this year on a positive note. I ask you to continue to lead by example and remember that our primary focus is the students.
Thank you for your continued dedication to ASDB.The letter notes one example, which I assumed has happened, on the wearing of same color T-shirts on the same day as a show of protest which is also a way to identify teachers or staff who don't wear the same color T-shirt. Clearly a case of intimidation and bullying tactics. It's one thing to protest off campus or file grievances but it's another to try all kinds of protests, intimidation and bullying on campus over the course of several weeks. Wholly unprofessional in my opinion. Even worse would be to get students to help with the protesting while on campus. I frown on this one because kids are easily made impressionable and are likely more gullible, especially on complex issues as this one involving both sides which is why an investigation is required. And I welcome that.