EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION

Employees who report improper governmental activity involving the Shelby County Schools District are protected against retaliation, interference, intimidation, threats or similar acts. No employee of Shelby County Schools shall be discharged, terminated, or otherwise discriminated against with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, privileges of employment solely for refusing to remain silent about, illegal activities. Illegal activities means activities that are in violation of criminal or civil laws, either state or federal, or any regulation intended to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. If an employee believes he/she is the subject of actual or attempted retaliation, interference, intimidation, threats or similar acts for reporting improper governmental activity, he/she may file a written complaint.

A Complaint must be filed within twelve (12) months of the alleged act or threat of retaliation or similar acts. Employees are asked to file their complaint on the Shelby County Schools “Whistleblower Complaint Form” which can be obtained via the Shelby County Schools website, or in the office of the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Employees must return the completed Complaint form to his/her immediate supervisor. If the employee's immediate supervisor is the subject of the Complaint of retaliation or similar acts, return the completed Complaint form in person or mail to:

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Shelby County Schools
160 S. Hollywood Street
Memphis, TN 3811

Any employee terminated or discriminated against in violation of T.C.A. §50-1-304 shall have a cause of action against the employer and any other damages to which the employee may be entitled.

If any employee files a cause of action for retaliatory discharge for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause needless increase in costs to the employer, the court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, shall impose upon the employee an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay the other party or parties the amount of reasonable expenses incurred, including reasonable attorney's fees.