Reporting illegal activity is the right thing to do. Unfortunately, too many workers in California face retaliation at work for reporting misconduct or illegal acts. According to recent statistics, the number of employees who have faced retaliation for reporting misconduct has nearly doubled in the last five years. Although conduct by employers has improved somewhat, there is still cause for concern.
A former elementary school principal in another state claims that she was fired in retaliation, and she has filed a lawsuit. Allegedly, the woman was fired for threatening to expose illegal activities and misconduct. According to the lawsuit, the woman was stabbed and punched by a student on two separate occasions. The woman claimed that the incidents were the result of the school district dangerously understaffing the emotional disorder programs.
After reporting the incidents and threatening to expose illegal activity, the woman claims she was placed on leave while the district conducted an investigation. She also claims she was instructed to lie and say she was sick when people asked why she was on leave. According to allegations, the former principal was given the option of walking away quietly with a severance package or face a public termination. She says she chose the latter to shed light on the alleged misconduct taking place in the public school system.
Being fired in retaliation can be absolutely devastating and have far-reaching impacts, both financially and psychologically. Retaliation in the workplace is illegal in California and across the country. Any individual who has been wrongfully terminated from his or her job could greatly benefit from discussions with an experienced attorney. A successfully litigated lawsuit could result in just compensation to offset any monetary losses.