We, the undersigned, demand Celeste Terry-Lo's full reinstatement to her position as Dean of Times2 STEM Academy, and demand the immediate ouster of Executive Director Dr. Rudolph Moseley, and Executive Director of Times2 Stem Academy Board Maxford O. Foster.
Dr. Moseley placed Dean Terry-Lo on administrative leave in retaliation for her filing a suit against him, which is in violation of RI General Law 28-50-3 of The Rhode Island Whistleblowers' Protection Act.
On January 9, 2018, Dean Terry-Lo filed a formal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Complaint concerning discrimination due to gender, and unfair employment practices with Maxford O. Foster. The Board was required by their own policies and procedures to provide Dean Terry-Lo with a response within five days, which they failed to do.
On January 21, 2018, Dean Terry-Lo received notice from the Board that her complaint was under review.
Dean Terry-Lo filed a complaint with RI Department of Education (RIDE) on February 5th after she failed to receive any further response from the board. RIDE forwarded the complaint to Dr. Moseley instead of interceding.
On February 9, 2018, Dean Terry-Lo received a letter from Dr. Moseley putting her on administrative leave. No reason was given for this action.
On March 8, 2018, a few of Dean Terry-Lo's supporters attended the Times2 STEM Academy Board Meeting. We spoke out on behalf of Dean Terry-Lo during the open comment portion of the meeting. Further examples of Dr. Moseley's dubious management practices were revealed by others in attendance. A former Times2 teacher told the board that Dr. Moseley terminated her, even though she'd never had a disciplinary infraction or poor work review. All the Times2 teachers in attendance expressed a vote of "no confidence" in Dr. Moseley. The majority of the teachers at Times2 are women. All in attendance described a climate of intimidation and retaliation if they challenged Dr. Moseley or his policies.
Dr. Moseley and Board President Foster are personal friends. In turn, the investigator assigned to Dean Terry-Lo's claim is apparently a personal friend of Board President Foster. The investigator's finding of no improper behavior on Dr. Moseley's part seems to be based solely on Dr. Moseley's denials, as he had no witnesses to support his position. By contrast, Dean Terry-Lo had three witnesses supporting her claims.
How can women hope to get fair and equitable treatment when those in the positions of power not only do nothing to help but actively seek to punish those who speak out? How can due process take place when timelines and protocols are not followed, blatant retaliation is allowed to stand, and personal friends are investigating each other?
We will be submitting this petition to RIDE asking them to reinstate Dean Terry-Lo immediately and penalize those who violate The Rhode Island Whistleblowers' Protection Act.
