Friday, June 25, 2010

Hope you're sitting down ...

... today I was officially presented with a formal letter from my employer's Stazi Unit; I am charged with making money from Warrior Librarian, and providing resources for free to my colleagues. I kid you not. Oh, and I breached copyright because I wrote stuff related to my work - so "technically" it belongs to my employer, even though I did it in my own time and on my own equipment - that I then gave away.

When you've finished laughing yourself sick (I vomited myself, but I can't say I was laughing at the time), you might be interested to know that I was told that my employer considers these allegations are as seriously as those levelled against child molesting teachers.

But perhaps what rankles the most is the fact that the allegations were made by one of my "colleagues". But together with the automatic presumption of guilt, and the requirement that I prove my innocence, comes the provision of anonymity of my accuser. Sure, I've got a fair idea who it is most likely to be, but they won't be made to face me after I've shown the charges to be without substance, frivolous, and motivated by malice.

So much for 'natural justice', transparency, and good old fashioned fairness. Indeed, this situation is contrary to common law in this country, and violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

I have 14 days to respond to the allegations. I could sum up the whole situation in just one word, but I think I'm expected to be more prolix and less expressive ...

2 comments:

  1. This has possible implications for all teachers, including teacher librarians. Legal action is required by the NSWTF.

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  2. I am still pondering the bizarre letter business (and I am deeply perplexed...)
    Here in Victoria the dept is rolling out a new portal for parents, teachers and students called the Ultranet. The whole ethos behind this is (wait for it) collaborating in an on-line environment in line with 21st century learning. This portal is designed around educators sharing resources, joining online groups to develop lessons etc etc etc
    Good luck with dealing with the functionaries.
    Cheers
    Perplexed of Melbourne

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