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P 4865 Whistleblower Protection

The District is committed to provision of a quality education in a transparent and supportive environment.  Employees who engage in certain discussions of District operations; disclosure of alleged prohibited activities or testimony before a court, administrative, or legislative body will not be subject to disciplinary action as provided in this Policy 4865. The protection of this policy extends to dismissal, demotion, transfer, reassignment, suspension, reprimand, warrant of such disciplinary action, withholding of work irrespective of whether such action affects the employees' compensation.

The following categories of employment activity are protected under this policy.

Discussion of District Operations

Employees are protected in discussing the operations of the District with any member of the legislature, state auditor, attorney general, a prosecuting or circuit attorney, a law enforcement agency, news media, the public or any state official or body charged with investigating any alleged misconduct described in this policy. Such protection will not restrict or preclude the administration from disciplining an employee who knew the information discussed was false; the information was closed or confidential under law, or when the discussions relate to the employee's own violations, mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or endangerment of public health or safety.

Disclosure of Prohibited Activity

Employees are protected in making disclosures of any prohibited activity under investigation or any related activity, or for the disclosure of information which the employee reasonably believes demonstrates:

Similarly, no employee will be required to give notice to a supervisor prior to disclosing any activity set out in this subsection.

Employees are protected in their testimony before a court, administrative body, or legislative body regarding an alleged prohibited activity or disclosure of related information.

Limitations on Protected Activity

The employee protections set out in this policy will not prohibit:

Referral to the State Auditor

Where an employee alleges that they were disciplined for disclosure or discussion of information related to the receipt or expenditures of public funds, the employee may request the state auditor to investigate the alleged misconduct and whether unlawful disciplinary action was taken as provided in this policy.

Policy Posting

The District will post a summary of this policy in locations in all District facilities where it would reasonably be expected to come to attention of all District employees.  In addition, this policy will be posted on the District’s website.

§ 105.055 RSMo - Form 4560


Board Approved Date: September 20, 2018
Last Updated: August 2018