Union wins ID theft insurance for some members

It’s been a long, arduous battle, but finally the Department of Education is accepting some responsibility, though not admitting blame, for the potential identity theft of several dozen speech teachers. UFT President Randi Weingarten’s intervention made possible some measure of justice.

The threat of identity theft, which resulted in extreme inconvenience and distress for teachers whose credit-worthiness was temporarily suspended, began last November when a laptop containing our members’ confidential data was stolen from the personal vehicle belonging to DOE district supervisor Marilyn Saxon-Samurro.

Why was that information not secured? Without addressing the larger issue, the DOE agreed to pay one year’s worth of identity theft insurance, costing around $129, for each of the approximately 40 affected teachers. The DOE budget hovers at $16 billion. Talk about small potatoes.

Originally, the DOEwas willing simply to share some credit union information with the victims, and let them have a copy of the police report regarding the missing laptop. Beyond that they had refused to compensate teachers unless they could “prove” that they had been harmed.

Time will tell whether these victims of DOE sloppiness will suffer long-term damage from any exploitation or leak of their social security numbers, addresses and phone numbers. Obviously they cannot be “made whole” for the anxiety and time they’ve lost having to make contacts and make sure their affairs are in order.

The union, including Staff Director Michael Mendel, District 21 Representative Judy Gerowitz, and myself, will continue to be on top of developments, explore options, and pursue justice. And we’ll keep you informed.

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