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DOI report on workplace harassment allegations at BOE
4:35:47
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Council Member Restler brings up a troubling DOI report that found Executive Director Michael Ryan's conduct constituted harassment and created a hostile work environment. The report recommended termination or resignation and identified significant deficiencies in BOE's policies for addressing complaints.
- DOI made six recommendations regarding BOE's policies and procedures
- Ryan acknowledged the discipline handed down by commissioners and is undergoing required training
Lincoln Restler
4:35:47
So I wanted to shift gears to this troubling DOI report from earlier this year.
4:35:54
On January 8, the Department of Investigation released a report on a month long investigation into allegations of workplace harassment by mister Ryan.
4:36:03
DUI's report concluded as follows, quote, Ryan's conduct constituted harassment and created a hostile work environment.
4:36:09
DOI found the conduct to be so problematic that they took the unusual step of recommending to the board that termination or resignation in lieu of termination was warranted.
4:36:19
DOI also found quote significant deficiencies in BOE's policies, procedures, and protocols for addressing complaints of harassment, sexual harassment, and hostile work environment, and other EEO issues, end quote.
4:36:34
DOI made six recommendations regarding the BOE's policies and procedures.
4:36:39
First, in light of DOI's conclusions on your conduct mister Ryan, do you acknowledge that your conduct was highly inappropriate and may have caused lasting harm for BOE employees?
Michael Ryan
4:36:50
What I can say to you in that regard is that there is potential litigation involving one of the employees, and I can repeat what I have said publicly in this matter is, that I accept the the discipline that the commissioners, handed down.
4:37:10
And I'm in the process of this is a little bit new, but I'm in the process of finishing all of the training that they have, said to do, and I certainly, would, demand of myself that no such circumstances are replicated in the future.
Lincoln Restler
4:37:30
It's it was read the report, of course, as I'm sure my colleagues have as well.
4:37:36
And it was a very troubling report, and it's it's critical that the people that are in the executive positions and the top management roles in these agents in in in any agency, in any workplace, set a different set a culture of respect that I just I think was lacking.
4:37:55
And it was I was really I was really troubled by the report.
4:37:59
I'd like to shift to the recommendations that DOI made regarding BOE policies and practices.
4:38:05
Has BOE implemented these policies yet?
4:38:08
Is there a qualified EO officer in place, and who is that individual?
Vincent Ignizio
4:38:11
There is and there always was.