A recent judicial hearing has shed light on the case of a Grand Erie School Board trustee who was allegedly punished for being a whistleblower. The trustee’s lawyer argued that their client faced retaliation for speaking out against wrongdoing within the board.
The hearing, which took place on Tuesday, saw the trustee’s lawyer present evidence that their client had been subjected to disciplinary action and a negative performance review after raising concerns about the board’s handling of a financial matter. The lawyer argued that this was a clear case of retaliation and that the trustee’s actions were protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
According to the lawyer, the trustee had brought forward concerns about the board’s decision to award a contract to a company without following proper procurement procedures. The trustee believed that this was a violation of the board’s policies and could potentially lead to financial mismanagement. However, instead of addressing the issue, the board allegedly chose to punish the trustee for speaking out.
The lawyer also pointed out that the trustee had a duty to report any potential wrongdoing within the board, as outlined in the trustee’s code of conduct. By punishing the trustee for fulfilling this duty, the board was sending a message that whistleblowers would not be tolerated.
The lawyer argued that the board’s actions were not only unjust but also had a chilling effect on other potential whistleblowers within the board. This could have serious consequences for the board’s transparency and accountability.
The board’s lawyer, on the other hand, argued that the trustee’s performance review was not related to their whistleblowing activities but rather to their overall performance as a trustee. They also stated that the board had followed proper procedures in awarding the contract in question.
The judicial hearing has now concluded, and the judge is expected to make a ruling in the coming weeks. This case has sparked a larger conversation about the protection of whistleblowers and the importance of transparency and accountability within public institutions.
As the public awaits the judge’s decision, it is clear that this case has raised important questions about the treatment of whistleblowers and the responsibility of public institutions to address concerns raised by their employees.
