Retaliation is prohibited against employees who in good faith act as whistleblowers in reporting illegal activities of the school. The whistleblower is not responsible for investigating the activity or for determining fault or corrective measures; appropriate School or law enforcement officials are charged with these responsibilities.
Examples of illegal or dishonest activities are violations of federal, state or local laws; billing for services not performed; and other fraudulent financial reporting.
If an employee has knowledge of or a concern about illegal or dishonest fraudulent activity, the employee is to contact the HOS. If the HOS is the object or concern of the complaint, it should be directed instead to the President of the Board of Trustees.
Due to the serious and sensitive nature of such complaints, the employee must exercise sound judgment to avoid baseless allegations. An employee who intentionally or knowingly files a false report of wrongdoing will be subject to corrective action up to and including discharge.
Whistleblower protections are provided in two important areas—ensuring confidentiality and preventing retaliation.
Confidentiality
Insofar as possible, the confidentiality of the whistleblower will be maintained. However, identity may have to be disclosed to conduct a thorough investigation, to comply with the law, and to provide accused individuals their legal rights of defense.
Retaliation Protection
The School will not retaliate against a whistleblower or any employee who in good faith reports or participates in the investigation. This includes, but is not limited to, protection from retaliation in the form of an adverse employment action such as discharge, compensation decreases and threats of physical harm. Any employee who believes he or she is being retaliated against under this policy must contact the HOS (or the President of the Board of Trustees, as appropriate) immediately.
The right of a whistleblower to protection against retaliation does not include immunity for any personal wrongdoing that is alleged and investigated.
All reports of illegal and dishonest activities will be promptly submitted to the HOS, who is responsible for investigating and coordinating corrective action.