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Resident urges Hazel Park employees to know retaliation protections under state and federal law
Summary
A Hazel Park resident told the board about employee protections against retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in investigations, citing Michigan state law and federal EEOC practices.
Jennifer Jackson, a Hazel Park resident, used the public-comment period to inform district employees about state and federal protections against retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in investigations.
"In the state of Michigan, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting discrimination or whistleblowing or for participating in investigations or legal proceedings," Jackson said during public comment. She reviewed common forms of retaliation the law recognizes — from unfavorable evaluations and reassignment to termination — and described remedies such as reinstatement and back pay.
Jackson told the board she had observed employees speaking out at meetings despite warnings to "keep their heads down," and urged staff to be aware that trainings and onboarding typically focus on district protections but that employees themselves are protected by law.
Why it matters: Public comment raised employee-rights and workplace-complaint issues directly with the board. The remarks framed concerns about potential retaliatory discipline and emphasized legal protections and remedies available to employees under state and federal law.
Ending
No formal board action on Jackson—s remarks is recorded in the meeting minutes; the board moved next to a vote to recess to closed session.
