QUESTION
I am seeking representation as I am communicating with human resource and the school administration, what are my rights in this case?
Asked on Jun 06th, 2012 on Labor and Employment - Illinois
More details to this question:
I am seeking advice on how to deal with this issue at my current place of employment. I work as a nurse educator at a private college (nursing school), I am being accused of stealing money from a couple of students. The alleged incident happen whiles I and the students were at an affiliated hospital for the College. Two students indicated that money was stolen from their book bags at the clinical site. Security got involved and a report was made. I reported the incident to the school administration and found out that I was the target of the accusation. The administration indicated that the students accused me of stealing their money; therefore, an internal investigation is being done and I am on paid leave pending the investigation. My assumption for the aggressive action by the school administration is because I am African American and all of the students are non-black. I feel I need more support and insight on how to address this issue. Is there an appropriate course of action ?
1 ANSWER
4 Awards
If you feel, and can prove, that you are being accused of the theft because of your race, then you would indeed have a claim against the employer. But this would also depend on whether it is the 2 white or non-black students who are making this biased claim, or the school. The school would have to investigate the student allegations to be safe. So the question is if the school is jumping on the race bandwagon, or just being prudent in doing an investigation.
There might be security cameras at the location where the theft was alleged to have occurred that could help. If other people had the same or more access as you to the students book bags at the clinical site, be it patients, staff at that location, etc. then you have a good reason to question why you are under suspicion and if this happens to be because of your race.
You should consult with an attorney as quickly as you can because, depending on all the facts in this case, it might be a good idea to let the employer know that your concern is that you are being accused because of your race. But this depends on several factors. So speak to an attorney before you do that
Answered on Jun 06th, 2012 at 2:06 PM