Know Your Rights! - Cadet Rights Protect Tenured Teachers from Pre-Hearing Interrogations

Posted: 
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law....."
 
We've all heard of Miranda Rights, rights granted to all Americans by law. But did you know that the same protections granted to someone being arrested also exist in cases where a tenured teacher might be subject to disciplinary action?
 
None of us got into the teaching profession expecting to deal with the types of unfortunate situations that could cost one his/her job. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you ever are faced with one of those situations, your rights to remain silent prior to a proper hearing are protected by law.
 
In 1994, a tenured teacher, Andre Cadet, was brought to a 3020-a hearing that resulted in a revocation of his tenure and removal from his teaching position. Prior to his 3020-a hearing, Mr. Cadet faced insubordination charges by the New York City School District because he refused to answer questions before the District's Special Commissioner of Investigations (SCI).
 
Mr. Cadet appealed the results of his 3020-a hearing in 1996 and lost. However, during the appeal, the New York State Education Commissioner ruled that Mr. Cadet did not have any obligation to testify before the New York City School District SCI and would not be subjected to any discipline in this regard. The reason for this decision, the Commissioner explained, was that the 3020-a hearing was the sole method by which tenured teachers could be disciplined and therefore Mr. Cadet had, in essence, the right to remain silent in response to any questions put to him prior to that hearing.
 
While it is true that Mr. Cadet lost his job, his case established a legal precedent that protects all tenured teachers.
 
As a result of the Cadet decision, a teacher is not required to answer any questions in any investigation that precedes a 3020-a hearing.   Therefore, if a tenured teacher has any reason to believe that they are being asked questions regarding a situation that could result in disciplinary action, he/she can, "assert Cadet." By doing so, the teacher cannot be held as insubordinate for refusing to answer questions.
 
As always, if for any reason you, as an LUT member, are asked to speak with an administrator about a matter which you feel might lead to disciplinary action, immediately halt any discussion and request LUT representation before proceeding. Building representatives are always available to assist members in these situations and ensure that your rights are protected.

 

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