Whistleblower Protections

Whistleblower Protections

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a whistleblower is “One who reveals wrongdoing within an organization to the public or to those in positions of authority”.  It does not matter whether the whistleblower is a current or former employee. He or she is afforded protection under Texas law and district policy.

Chapter 554 of Texas Government Code, says, “A state or local governmental entity may not suspend or terminate the employment of, or take other adverse personnel action against, a public employee who in good faith reports a violation of law by the employing governmental entity or another public employee to an appropriate law enforcement authority.” (Section 554.002)Section 554.003 (a) provides an overview of the relief available to public employee.  “A public employee whose employment is suspended or terminated or who is subjected to an adverse personnel action in violation of Section  554.002 is entitled to sue for:                              

1. injunctive relief;                                                                                     
2. actual damages;                                                                                        
3. court costs;  and                                                                                      
4. reasonable attorney fees.                                                

(b)  In addition to relief under Subsection (a), a public employee whose employment is suspended or terminated in violation of this chapter is entitled to:                              

1. reinstatement to the employee's former position or an equivalent  
   position; 
2. compensation for wages lost during the period of suspension or  termination;  and 
3. reinstatement of fringe benefits and seniority rights lost because of the suspension or termination.

Dallas ISD Policies DG (Legal), DGBA (Legal) and DGBA (Local) outline the district’s compliance with the law and employee rights and responsibilities under the law.  For more information on the district’s compliance and response to Whistleblower Protection, visit http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/057905/