Whistleblower alleging mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser terminating former colleagues out of revenge
Washington DC, June 22, 2023 – Whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing corruption and wrongdoings within organizations, including government agencies. They face personal long-lasting significant repercussions and are not exempt from collateral damage.
Mayor Bowser's Revenge Plot Exposed: ONE elementary school, TWO whistleblowers MULTIPLE casualties and UNETHICAL leadership
The recent scandal concerning Mayor Muriel Bowser and the allegations of retaliatory actions and dismissals aimed at colleagues of those who have exposed misconduct highlights the continuous unethical behavior showcased by high-ranking individuals within the DC government.
This controversy sheds light on the questionable ethical practices exhibited by people in positions of authority. It raises concerns about their integrity, as they engage in vindictive acts to discredit and silence whistleblowers, which further erodes trust in the government's leadership. Such conduct undermines transparency, accountability, and fairness within public administration.
These allegations highlight the potential repercussions that individuals encounter when they demonstrate moral fortitude by disclosing misconduct occurring within DC government agencies, i.e.
1. mayor's most senior right-hand man Deputy Mayor sex-for-government contracts scandal
2. mayor's mandated Relay program unequal treatment of Black and White students.
Why are successful and desperately needed educators being terminated
Unequivocally, it is revenge! The former principal and I from Boone Elementary, District of Columbia Public School (DCPS) endured horrid unlawful retaliatory acts followed by termination. I received an anonymous death threat. Subsequently, our former colleagues, who are successful, celebrated and consistently rated highly effective, have received low-rated evaluations as retaliation and being terminated as acts of indubitable revenge, stated Marlon Ray, whistleblower and former DCPS employee.
David vs. Goliath Lawsuit
In the District of Columbia(DC), the Mayor has full authoritarian reign over public schools. This centralized power structure enables the mayor and her appointed administration to ignore concerns raised by educators without fear of repercussion. The termination of successful and celebrated educators as a retaliatory act of revenge by the mayor is a concerning issue in the education sector.
Dr. Carolyn Jackson-King, former principal and Marlon Ray, former director, strategy & logistics at Boone Elementary profess they were met with vile unlawful retaliation and terminated for doing their core responsibility as a “mandated reporter:” reporting harm done to children.
What happens if a mandated reporter does not report? Under D.C. law, mandated reporters who fail to report can be prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General. Penalties include a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 180 days, or both.
They blew the whistle after allegedly DCPS leadership ignored attempts to correct what they describe as the mayor’s egregious unethical and harmful mandated program practices entitled Relay upon only Black bodies. Daily Caller
Jackson-King and Ray lawsuit against the District of Columbia states that plaintiffs faced unlawful retaliation, and both were let go from DCPS. Previously, delayed by court actions, the lawsuit is now in motion again garnering national attention, soliciting examination from renowned scholars and scrutiny of DC mayor’s deceptive practices’ intent and impact. Forbes
The lawsuit sheds light on the concerning issue of disparate treatment of predominantly Black elementary students from DC's poorest areas in comparison to predominantly White elementary students from affluent areas. NPR
"Some of our practices perpetuated white supremacy and anti-Blackness"--founder of Relay program, mandated by DC mayor upon only poor Black students.
Plaintiffs agree it is larger than themselves and their specific case. The lawsuit highlights concerning issues related to the centralized political power's influence on education practices in America. Tultican
Silence is not an option
Local and national journalist and organizations have found this case important due to its political reach into the school privatization debate, and potential involvement into public resources and the mayor's potential abuse of power to silence dissenting voices.Network for Public Education
The potential abuse of power by Mayor Bowser, as alleged by whistleblowers, underlines the challenges faced by those who come forward to report malfeasance. Even with legal protection under The District of Columbia Whistleblower Protection Act (DCWPA) DC Code 1-615.51 retaliation against whistleblowers is not uncommon and can be detrimental to their career and personal life.
Whistleblower’s collateral damage
The act of whistleblowing can also have unintended consequences, such as collateral damage to co-workers who may be unfairly implicated or targeted as a result.
The recent events unfolding at Boone Elementary have caused quite a stir within the education community.
The school's faculty and staff are composed of well-respected and experienced educators who have earned praise from both students and parents alike. Nevertheless, the events that have taken place at the school have prompted a pause for reflection.
Most recently, two employees with over twenty years each at Boone Elementary are among those who will face termination at the end of June 2023: alleged retaliation due to their association with former colleagues who happen to be whistleblowers.
This serves as a sobering reminder that the collateral damage, risk’s whistleblowers take in speaking out, extends well beyond the individuals who speak out against unethical behavior.
It is perplexing and concerning that such highly effective educators could be embroiled in controversy, when they are mere casualties of an alleged retaliation revenge scheme. The use of psychological politics, as alleged in this case, is a disconcerting approach to management and governance.
Collateral damage of the plaintiffs’ former colleagues is an unfortunate occurrence that only serves to highlight just how crucial whistleblower protections are. The case of Mayor Bowser and the alleged revenge-based terminations emphasize the importance of whistleblower protections. This trend of targeting and terminating highly effective and celebrated educators as a retaliatory act of revenge sends a concerning message throughout the DCPS education system.
Furthermore, the retaliation and terminations of long-time Boone staff members, for mere association with known whistleblowers, are significant deterrents to potential whistleblowers who have information regarding wrongdoings within DCPS and potentially many other government agencies. Washington Informer
"It is no secret amongst staff that mere speculation of association with us will get them fired. This here is a real psychological and political witch hunt! "— Marlon Ray
According to plaintiff, "Mayor Bowser's actions are an abuse of authority and power, which promotes her pervasive toxic culture of fear and silence that keeps employees in line and prevents them from speaking up about any wrongdoing they may observe."
Career suicide
Whistleblowers put their careers and livelihoods at risk for the greater good of society, and the potential retaliation they may face highlights the need for stronger legal protections and greater support systems. The psychological toll of being ostracized, demoted, or terminated for blowing the whistle on wrongdoing can be immense. WAMU
Mental Health Conditions
Studies have shown that whistleblowers often suffer from anxiety, depression, and even PTSD as a result of the retaliation they face. In addition, research has indicated that whistleblowers experience difficulties finding new employment opportunities.
Furthermore, whistleblowers face the risk of being blacklisted by their employers or industry peers as a result of their actions. These consequences can be especially daunting for individuals who have already been marginalized within society such as African Americans.
African American Whistleblowers
African American whistleblowers face a particularly challenging road when taking the brave step to report illegal or unethical behavior within their workplace.
Studies have found that African American whistleblowers face heightened levels of retaliation compared to their non-minority counterparts.
This is particularly concerning because African Americans are disproportionately impacted by wrongful and illegal actions within various systems, including criminal justice, healthcare, education and more. Given the potential adverse impact of whistleblowing on individual lives and the broader societal implications, it is imperative that legal protections be strengthened to safeguard individuals who do come forward with information about illegal or unethical activities.
Furthermore, these protections must be enforced accordingly to ensure that whistleblowers feel confident enough to report the misconduct they observe without fear of retribution.
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According to whistleblowers, Mayor Bowser's alleged retaliatory actions against former colleagues have created an even more hostile work environment and damaged public trust in her leadership."It’s way too much about “looking good, not doing good.” Washington City Paper
Whistleblowers are important staff members; their intention is to keep our Government honest, efficient, and accountable. According to District of Columbia Department of Human Resources, whistleblowers have rights:
1. Every employee of the District government is required to make protected disclosures as soon as the employee becomes aware of the violation or misuse of resources.
2. The right to disclose corruption, dishonesty, incompetence, or administrative failures, without fear of retaliation.
3. The right to communicate with and to respond fully, freely, openly and candidly to inquiries from Members and committees of the Council of the District of Columbia.
The actions of Mayor Bowser, if proven true, are in direct violation of the federal and local Whistleblower Protection Acts
Final thought
What happens when concealed anger hardens? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun or does it explode into Psychological Revenge Politics?
Unchecked power is indeed dangerous! Especially in institutions that service communities that have historically been marginalized. What a shame! Dr. JK brought about remarkable change at Boone and was respected and celebrated by the community that she serviced! This community fought tooth and nail to reinstate her after she was wrongfully released. Their concerns were ignored and they received paternal treatment by school
leaders who arrogantly assumed that they knew best. Meanwhile, parents and community members in more wealthy parts of the district, who wield more political capital, are able to dictate leaderships in their schools as they see fit! What a travesty! What an injustice!!! hope that this lawsuit brings about a thorough investigation and I hope that th…
As an educator of 26 years, it is disheartening to witness and be subject of retaliation by the hands of those “In Power”. It seems as though those being terminated from their jobs are those with the BEST pulse on the community and what our children need. If we are supposed to be focused on educating our children, then why are those who do it best being subjected to such retaliatory acts for doing what we've been praised for for years… our jobs. Our children DO NOT get these foundational years back.
It is imperative to understand that I’ve not found a single school leader as dedicated and intentional about taking care of staff as Dr. JK. It is I clear that she was removed based on her willingness to stand on the front lines and speak truth. The same is true for Mr. Ray. While he wasn’t in the classroom, he was supporting teachers and students daily. Dcps leadership really wants staff to “shut up and dribble.” So often, many of us are burnt out and angry but in fear if retaliation. Dcps needs to answer for the crimes committed against teachers, staff, and students. The way the education system is moving, this is not sustainable. It’s illegal.
Any DCPS educator--especially Boone Elem.staff--who want to comment but fear retribution can send it to marlonray@mail.com . I will post your anonymous comment under this email and logo.
In March 2020, COVID19 and the unjustified termination of our beloved principal Dr. Carolyn Jackson-King killed a successful school community. It bothers me to say this article is true. As a staff member, I'm too fearful to mention Dr. Jackson-King or Mr. Ray name anywhere in the school building. If reported back to leadership, I can expect some form of disciplinary action. What recently happened to my three colleagues is outrageous! We all miss the healthy culture and work environment under Dr. JK's leadership.