Paraprofessionals who have been arrested will no longer be automatically suspended without pay, under the DOE’s updated policy, to resolve the UFT’s union-initiated grievance that challenged the unfairness of automatic suspensions.
Paraprofessionals will now have a new review procedure to determine if a suspension without pay is warranted. They will also have a new process to speed up the time it takes to receive back pay and sick days when a suspended paraprofessional is exonerated. Through this arbitration, paraprofessionals gained rights both upon arrest and once the charges are adjudicated. Paraprofessionals who are arrested will now have that arrest reviewed to determine if the nature of the arrest warrants suspension.
If You Are Arrested:
- Notify your supervisor and OPI in writing: email the principal and OPI (OPIARRESTNOTIFICATION@SCHOOLS.NYC.GOV) and attach a copy of the criminal court complaint or fax (718-935-4366) if necessary but the paraprofessional should have a receipt
- Report to school unless told otherwise by the Board in writing
- Notify your UFT Chapter Leader and/or District Representative