Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott blames the teachers union for making it difficult for the city to fire teachers who have been accused of sexual misconduct. Education officials can not fire teachers unless they are directed to do so by independent hearing officers chosen by the city and union. Walcott's blistering rebuke was met with deafining silence by UFT President Michael Mulgrew.
According to the Daily News:
“It’s appalling to me that a union representing teachers is the biggest obstacle to getting those accused of sexual misconduct out of our classrooms,” said Walcott, who has fought for legislation to grant firing power to education officials instead of independent hearing officers paid by the state.
“Public school teachers accused of sexual misconduct enjoy protections that no other city employee has. It’s outrageous and we cannot allow it to continue,” Walcott said.
