NYSUT launches “Know Your Rights” series to empower members

his summer, NYSUT launches the “Know Your Rights” series, a collection of videos and print resources to educate our members about their rights.

Educators around the country and statewide are facing well-financed coordinated attacks on their efforts to teach historically accurate curricula and to provide safe and inclusive environments for all students. In the workplace, educators are governed by both federal and state laws and afforded many freedoms and protections under those laws.

NYSUT offers this series of videos and explainer documents to tackle some of the most in-demand topics for educators right now, including academic freedom, book bans, free speech and women’s rights. Each video covers the specific laws that relate to each topic and their limits. The videos also explain what to do if you think your employer has violated your rights under these laws.

Each resource is packed with information to help you protect your rights in the workplace. For instance, the Women’s Rights video covers sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, pumping and lactation rights, and pay transparency. The Academic Freedom video enumerates the rights and responsibilities that both higher education professionals and K-12 educators have in their classrooms.

Another video addresses one of the most common, but misunderstood topics, that of free speech. The free speech resources explain what constitutes speech and what the differences are between speaking as a public sector employee and as a private citizen.

The videos and documents are located right on the NYSUT website, making it easy to brush up on your rights over the summer. Visit nysut.org/kyr.

Remember, it’s important to stay empowered and informed about your rights as an employee and as an educator.