Reminder to All MNEA
Members 
If you are asked to make a statement
to the authorities about an employment-related incident, do not talk
to anyone, including the police, a Division of Family Services (DFS)
investigator and, in certain cases, administrators, without first
contacting your UniServ Director. As tempting as it may be to "clear
things up," you should always seek legal advice before making
any statement. If you cannot reach your UniServ Director, contact
Jacqueline Shipma, Director of Legal Services, at MNEA headquarters
(1-800-392-0236).
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If you are contacted by a DFS investigator, you should immediately
contact your UniServ Director. If a DFS report
has been made against you, an attorney will be assigned to accompany
you to the meeting with the investigator. If you cannot immediately
reach your UniServ Director, advise the DFS investigator that
you wish to consult an attorney before any interview and ask
that the interview be rescheduled.
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If a police investigator contacts you regarding an investigation
of a crime for which you may be charged, do not make any statement
until you have spoken to an attorney. MNEA will refer you to
a criminal attorney and assist you with any possible ramifications
the criminal charges will have on your employment. If charges
are filed due to an incident arising out of your educational
employment and you are ultimately acquitted or the charges are
dismissed, the Educators’ Employment Liability policy provided
by MNEA will reimburse you for the fees you expended for defense
of the criminal charges.
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If an administrator contacts you and wishes to discuss possible
criminal charges, do not make any statement to him or her until
you have spoken with your UniServ Director. Any statements you
make to the school district may be turned over in a police investigation,
so you may be incriminating yourself if you make a statement
to the school district.
by Jacqueline Shipma
Director of legal services
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