First the verdict, then the trial. This is Justice?

The Plainfield Education Association's Executive Committee has the ability to suspend any of its officers for cause and recommend to the general membership that the  person be removed from office.

Due process would mean that the officer in question would have a complaint made against them by a member of the union (it could be an officer). That complaint would be heard by the Executive Committee, with the person against whom the complaint is made present and able to answer the complaint point-by-point in defending him or herself.

You would think.

But that is not the way this incident went down. The email below was sent to me by President Cardona on Tuesday, June 4 -- two weeks after the Executive Committee action was supposedly taken.

Here is the email sent by President Cardona on June 4. (Click to enlarge or print.)

I received an email from President Cardona on May 16, 2013 advising there would be an Association Representative meeting. It seems my name and a few others  were omitted, and we did not receive the original announcement. Later that day, I received a text message from President Cardona advising there was to be an 'emergency' meeting of the Executive Committee. When I replied, asking what was the agenda, Ms. Cardona never answered.

Because I had a conflict, I was unable to attend.

It appears that I was the topic of discussion at this meeting and that the suspension notice was the outcome. I do not know exactly who was in attendance. Though all the Executive Committee members' names (except mine) are listed on the email--implying all have agreed to the matter--I have been approached by some who said either they were not present and did not vote or they were present and did not support the suspension vote.

It is a cherished American constitutional right to face one's accuser. I have not been afforded that basic right of due process, and so I responded, as we shall see tomorrow. 

Peace,

Roni

Justice for one is justice for all.

Why I Am Fighting Charges of "Conduct Unbecoming': It's About Justice For All

As a teacher in the Plainfield Public Schools, I am a member of the district's bargaining

entity for teachers, support staff and security personnel, the Plainfield Education Association (PEA).

I am proud to be a member and an elected officer (2nd Vice President) of an organization that speaks up for the interests of these employees of the public school system with reference to working conditions, pay and the protection of our rights of free association and speech in pursuit of the community's common goal of educating and nurturing our youth and preparing them to be informed, skilled and active participants in society at large.

All this being said, I am disappointed that some leadership members of the PEA have chosen to bring charges of "conduct unbecoming" against me. Without any details about the exact nature of the complaint(s) or who is making them, I am being faced with a hearing before a Review Committee which has the power to recommend my removal from this elected office by the general membership.

Alternatively, I can resign and everything will go away.

I am ready to defend my conduct as a member and an elected officer of this union. I am going to insist on due process, decency and fair treatment. Too many members have suffered embarrassment and harassment in violation of their rights as PEA members and American citizens.

So, why am I fighting charges of "conduct unbecoming'? It's about Justice For All!

Peace,

Roni