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Public interest surrounding allegations that an educational employee has abused a student is very high and the media and community often become involved.

It is important to establish a positive climate through a credible and compassionate voice to the public. Our major goal is to always let the community know (through the media) that members of the local association are concerned about the welfare of all students, while also being committed to ensuring that members are treated fairly.

The way we handle things in a crisis determines not only our public image, but can also affect the way future allegations are handled and perceived. It also establishes our ability to positively affect the media in other situations.

The way we handle things in a crisis determines not only our public image, but can also affect the way future allegations are handled and perceived. It also establishes our ability to positively affect the media in other situations.

UniServ staff should be contacted immediately upon learning of any accusation against a member. Good internal association communication requires setting the proper tone, keeping rumors under control and communicating within the ranks.

After an allegation becomes public (i.e., if the local newspaper publishes the information) the local association could send a note to local members. Without revealing any confidential information, the basic factual information should be explained (who was charged, with what, how the association is proceeding, etc.). Do not disclose the identity of the accusing students. Everyone should be aware that certain information must remain confidential. The association should focus on assuring due process for all accused members. All members are vulnerable to false accusations and an accused member should be supported and protected from hasty judgments.

Tips for handling public attention

1. Never mention the name of the student(s) who did the accusing.
   
   
2. Acknowledge the seriousness of the event and put the association on the "right side" of the issue.
   
   
3. If the association and/or the school district has conducted any training or provided any other positive programs aimed at helping education employees and/or students deal with the issue of sexual abuse, emphasize the success of those programs. Sometimes, a negative issue can result in some positive publicity for the good things that are going on related to the issue of abuse.
   
   
4. Avoid speculation by the media of "deal cutting." Always say you expect a full investigation and that all the member's rights will be protected.
   
   
5. Calm aggressive reporters by remaining confident and discussing the issue in generalities rather than specifics of the individual case. When continually pressed to comment on the specific incident, continue to say, "It isn't appropriate for me to talk about the details of the case that is still being reviewed. That would be unfair to all the parties involved."
   
   
6. Feel free to say, "I don't know" if you don't -- offer to try to get the answer (if it is not a question that involved confidential information) and get back to the reporter as soon as possible.
   
   
7. Never go "off the record" or say "no comment." Anything you discuss should be on the table. Since you are not discussing any specific circumstances pertaining to the individual case, and since it is your role to protect the accused and set a good example for everyone else to do the same, you will never have reason to go off the record. Just tell the reporter you don't want to if he or she suggests it.

It is important not to encourage any media coverage. Let them come to you. the association president should be the only spokesperson. He or she should not refuse to talk to the press. That will only result in a statement appearing in the local press that says: "the association president refused to comment." Such statements have only negative connotations. If a reporter contacts a local president, emphasize that you are unable to talk about the specifics of the incident or the individual(s) involved, but you are able to discuss the association's viewpoint on such allegations in general.

Stress the following:

• Educational employees are vitally concerned about the welfare of all students. Because we have chosen to devote our professional lives to working with young people, we feel a special responsibility to help ensure that they are treated appropriately.
  
• We are also concerned that the American system of justice is upheld and that every individual is afforded his or her due process rights.
  
• Neither the association or the district is the judge. (Never speculate on guilt or allow a reporter to draw you into "what if's?")
  
• Any kind of abuse of any student by anyone is abhorrent, but add that a member is innocent unless (not until but unless) proven guilty.
  
• Educational employees can be highly vulnerable to false accusations because of their close association with students.