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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Knox County School Board members push forward with their resolution to provide teachers with a means of speaking out without fear of retaliation from their administrations.
The proposal was initiated by Board member Jennifer Owen in response to something she says has been an issue for far too long.
“It’s something I’ve seen for as long as I’ve been around Knox County Schools,” Owen said. “People perceive that if they say what they think that there will be retaliation.”
The resolution would give teachers a voice without having to worry that there will be negative consequences to them speaking up.
“It is my hope that staff training will include very clear examples of unacceptable retaliatory actions so that all persons in the district who have the ability to create a hostile work environment will think carefully before using their positions to coerce, manipulate or threaten others with any kind of retribution,” Owen said.
Other board members agreed with Owen, saying that teachers should be able to speak up at any point if they feel it necessary.
While there are already protections in place for teachers who do make their thoughts known, Owen says the resolution will help teachers to feel more supported by letting them know that the school board does support them in their right to speak.
The resolution was amended from its original form, adding wording that would instruct the superintendent to “update and implement any procedures necessary to ensure the rights of employees.”
The board unanimously voted to pass the resolution.
One Response
Does the school board support the rights of the parents to speak up?