By Adam Pagnucco.
Last week, the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) went on the record opposing MCPS’s use of Jackson Lewis PC, which it characterizes as an “anti-worker law firm,” to investigate allegations of sexual harassment by a principal. I posted my own take on the firm here. When MCPS doubled down on its plans after two council members requested an inspector general investigation, MCEA President Jennifer Martin offered further comments at yesterday’s school board meeting. The video can be seen here and a transcript of her remarks follows.
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Jennifer Martin BOE Testimonials for 8-24-23
Good afternoon. MCEA is gravely disappointed by MCPS’s handling of sexual harassment claims made by our members and we are disturbed by the way you have chosen to run a renewed investigation. We will not tolerate a work culture that silences victims while rewarding perpetrators. Nor will we accept a hasty review by an anti-worker law firm as an appropriate investigation.
Our members displayed extraordinary courage in reporting to MCPS the abuse they were facing. But you so far have failed us.
It is dismaying that it took media attention for MCPS to suddenly recognize and address this harm to educators, students and our community. MCPS is, as I record this message, still intent on conducting a second investigation of sexual harassment complaints using a firm that specializes in protecting management from such claims, not in ensuring safe working conditions for employees.
This approach suggests that MCPS is looking for cover rather than seeking the truth.
We urge you to remove this law firm from the investigation. Failure to have a truly independent investigation harms morale for other employees across the system and tarnishes MCPS’s reputation as an employer for those considering a career in education.
MCEA also reminds the board and superintendent that in every budget cycle we press you to add staff to labor relations. There are currently only two investigators in the compliance office to handle all bullying and harassment complaints. Extended delays in addressing those complaints are routine.
A new school year offers an opportunity for the board to make a fresh start to restore employees’ and families’ faith in the school system. We call for a truly independent investigation and for MCPS to work with us on reforming your policies and practices so that this never happens again.