Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Rikers Whistleblower Wins Small Victory in Case to Return Him to His School

What was supposed to be the first day of trial for Jeff Kaufman, Chapter Leader of Island Academy @ Rikers Island, in his bid to get his job back, became, instead, a small victory as the presiding judge ordered DOE to turn over essential documents for the case.

As you may recall Kaufman was removed from Rikers Island for allegedly engaging in “undue familiarity” as a pretext for his staunch union and organizing activities. The principal concluded that he had to be removed to protect the safety of the staff and inmates when Kaufman exposed how the school refused to provide credit for classes and other improprieties.

Kaufman requested that subpoenas be issued compelling the DOE and the DOC to produce documents which conclusively demonstrate that the principal and warden conspired to remove Kaufman from his teaching post and Chapter Leader position. The City submitted an aggressive opposition to the request which also called for the testimony of the Warden and other DOC officials as well as the Superintendent of the Alternative High School District.

Despite the opposition, all of the subpoenas were signed. The City’s delay in producing the documents has caused a delay in the trial. The next scheduled date has not been set.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Keep fighting Jeff

Anonymous said...

Your fight is a human rights battle with implications beyond your case itself. Use all resources to overcome the unjustice they have dumped on you.

Anonymous said...

Jeff's case is an inspiration to everyone fighting injustice in the DOE and beyond.

Anonymous said...

Tweed is relentless in its quest for total control over all aspects of education in the city. They must be stopped! This is a small, but meaningful step in that direction. Go, Jeff!

Anonymous said...

Finally, a little bit of good news. Keep up the battle Jeff.

Anonymous said...

Patience is a virtue. Finally, a small victory.

Anonymous said...

Don't give up the fight Jeff.