October 12, 2021
Statement on Photo Circulating on Social Media Platforms
ST. THOMAS, USVI -- The Virgin Islands Department of Education was made aware of a photo circulating on social media of an employee inappropriately dressed while holding virtual classes with students at the St. Croix Central High School on Oct. 12.
The Department of Education denounces the actions of the employee and has acted swiftly in the following ways:
• The employee has been removed from teaching while an investigation is underway
• The employee has been denied any further access to Department-owned email and video conferencing accounts that allow online interaction with students
• An investigative hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 13 with the employee, union representatives, and Department of Education officials as part of the required due process
• Appropriate further action may be taken as the investigation unfolds “Our employees are held to the highest standards of decorum and professionalism, and the Department of Education will not condone behaviors that fall outside of these expectations when it comes to any of our staff, particularly our teaching professionals,” Commissioner Racquel BerryBenjamin said. “Our students’ safety comes first, and we are committed to ensuring their trust is not violated while they are under our care.” The Department of Education is arranging additional training for faculty on the appropriate dress code for teaching virtually, as well as the proper use of online teaching platforms and the expectations involved.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure, and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government, and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit www.transparency.vi.gov.
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