FALLEN ROLE MODELS - ARBITRATION CASES INVOLVING DRUG AND ALCOHOL-USEBY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES

Disciplinary action against school employees because of their involvem ent with alcohol or drugs is typically sustained by arbitrators for tw o reasons: it is felt their job performance has been adversely affecte d, or because it is believed their ability to serve as positive role m odels has been diminished. Off-duty abuse of alcohol or drugs can also lead to discipline if management can establish that either job perfor mance or serving as a role model is negatively impacted. Because of th eir involvement with children and young adults, school employees who a buse alcohol or drugs are clearly held to a higher standard of behavio r than employees in most other jobs.