How I was discriminated against
I am being suspected/ or accused of stealing. I work as a nursing Instructor. I was working at an affiliate hospital to the College where I am employed at. Two students in my clinical group had money stolen from their book bags while they were on a clinical unit performing their clinical duties for the day. The Students’ book bags were located on a unit that was not secure or locked and could be access by any employee.
What it's like being an older or younger job seeker
The two students discovered their money was missing when they were going to lunch around noon time. When the students returned from lunch around 1pm, they contacted security unbeknownst to me requesting to see security cameras because their money was stolen out of their book bags. When they returned to the unit, they looked at me angrily and did not express their concern. I asked the students what happened and they were reluctant but finally expressed to me that someone stole money from their book bags. They informed me that security was on their way. Security came and a report was made and I informed the nurse manager of the incident. I consoled the students and expressed that I would report the matter to the school administration. I followed thru and reported the incident to my leadership team members. Two days later on a Saturday, I was contacted via email by the President of the school to come for a meeting on Monday. No information was given to me regarding the purpose of the meeting.I am African American and all 7 students are Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian. When I came to the meeting, I was informed that the two students, whose money was stolen, accused or suspected me of stealing their money. I was told by the school Security team and Human Resource Department that an investigation was being done and that I was relieved of my duties pending the investigation. I am deeply saddened by this false accusation and I would like to know do I need representation during future meetings to ensure fairness?? Is there a course of action that I could take to prevent being accused of criminal activity? I am cooperating with the Human Resource department to facilitate the investigation process; however, I don’t have confidence that I would be treated with fairness by the President of the school; is there a proactive step I could take to make sure I have a voice and fairness is being safeguarded?? Thanks.
Lessons Learned
- I am still sorting out how to deal with this situation by contacting advocacy groups and looking for support.
