“Let me ask you: Who would be against protecting our children? I don't think anyone would be, so this is a win-win situation for the children of New York City.”

These were the words of Council Member Robert Jackson (left), Chair of the Education Committee, as he urged his colleagues to vote for the amendment to the New York City whistleblower protection law, which already shields whistleblowers who report criminal activity, corruption, conflicts of interest, mismanagement, or abuse of authority by City employees. This legislation expands the law to include city employees who report conduct that is harmful to the health, safety or educational welfare of a child. The bill defines “educational welfare” as "any aspect of a child's education or educational environment that significantly impacts upon such child's ability to receive appropriate instruction, as mandated by any relevant law, rule, regulation, or sound educational practice."

“This bill will allow public employees, whether they are a school aid, a paraprofessional, or anyone else who may think that the health, safety, or welfare of a child is being hampered to report it,” Jackson declared. “We've heard horror stories, but people are afraid to come forward.” And he said that this is about enabling people who are most vulnerable to step up and report information without fear of reprisal.

Jackson concluded his remarks by thanking Council Member Eric Gioia(right), the bill’s prime sponsor, Speaker Christine Quinn who backed it energetically, and everyone else who signed on to the legislation “in order to protect the 1.1 million school children we represent.”

For his part, Council Member Gioia commented, “Very simply, no one should ever have to make a choice between acting in the best interest of a child and keeping their job.” And he said that this legislation will give people the confidence to step forward knowing that they have the law on their side.

Speaker Quinn (left) added her voice, stating that when the City Council lawyers reviewed the whistleblower law, they felt that the categories in it didn’t sufficiently extend protection to city workers such as social workers, ACS workers, or teachers who believe there are actions going on that are not in the best interests of a child. “Now workers will be able to report harmful behavior without fear of punishment from their employer,” she concluded.

The bill passed overwhelmingly.

Read more of Donna's articles at http://www.donnalamb.com/