Running head: PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Assignment 1: Professional Ethics

Federico R Lastra
Florida International University

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

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Assignment 1: Professional Ethics
Florida Department of Education

The Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct

Code 6A-10.081 Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in
Florida. This principle is stated as follows: Shall provide upon the request of
the certificated individual a written statement of specific reason for recommendations that lead to
the denial of increments, significant changes in employment, or termination of employment
(Florida Department of Education [FDE], 2015). Since, Florida is a right to work state, and all
too often this is used as an excuse to fire individuals for causes other than job performance, this
code may provide a level of protection against teachers who are being discriminated against or
intimidated by their superiors due to their being openly gay. Although, it is not legal to openly
discriminate against a male teacher because of his being gay, in reality the discrimination and
non-acceptance continue to exist. Because of the stigma created by Section 28, the legislation
that previously banned the promotion of homosexuality in schools, still exists, even though it
has been over a decade since its removal. That is why this principle is so important, it creates a
weapon in the fight for equality in a civil lawsuit (Williams, 2012).
Disciplinary action that could be taken by the MDCPS district for an infraction of
Code 6A-10.081. Requiring the written statement with the specific reason under 3140Suspension or Dismissal of Instructional Staff and 3140.01-Disciplinary Suspension without Pay,
allows the teacher to be wrongfully dismissed the ammunition to fight anti-gay discriminatory
tactics. Because discrimination is not something that most openly admit to; and, being required

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to put it in writing means that the individual will have to self-identify and own up to it, which
may lead them to think twice before acting. These regulations allow for a procedure that will
force the Superintendent and School Board to either defend the individual or reprimand the
accuser, or at least have a written record to use later in a civil lawsuit. Preferably combined these
two measures can be used to create change and end discriminatory practices against gay male
teachers (NEOLA, 2010).
MDCPS and Abuse
Two of the key points of the MDCPS districts expectations for reporting incidences of
abuse, neglect, or other signs of distress of particular interest are to report it and protect the child
and their right to privacy protection. Particularly 8462-Student Abuse and Neglect, which means
that all that is required is the reasonable suspicion of abuse, neglect, or that the childs welfare is
in danger. This is of particular importance because it does not call for proof, just probable cause
as determined by the MDCPS representative reporting it to the Florida Department of Children
and Families ("DCF") in a manner prescribed by the policy (NEOLA, 2010). Including all the
childs pertinent information, including their home address found in the Integrated Student
Information System (ISIS) and on the Student Data Card, parent or guardian information, and
any other identifiable information that will assist DCF in locating the child (NEOLA, 2010). In
addition to being required to report there are also laws such as F.S. 775.082 or 775.083,
which requires that any employee who is required to report known or suspected child abuse or
neglect and who knowingly and willfully fails to do so, or who knowingly and willfully prevents
another person from doing so, is guilty of a punishable third degree felony (NEOLA, 2010).
These combined lay out the importance of protecting our children in the MDCPS system.

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MDCPS Districts Expectations for Technologies

Two key points of the MDCPS districts expectations for the safe, appropriate, ethical use
of technologies includes its Acceptable Use Policy, which states material that depicts or
describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct as defined in Section 847.001 (11) F.S. is
prohibited (MDCPS, 2015). This is, first of all, because this technology is used to teach
not corrupt, it is unprofessional, unethical, and immoral. Secondly, teachers are role models and
therefore should be held to a higher standard of moral conduct. Consequently, The Childrens
Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires school districts to prevent students from viewing
objectionable material. Pursuant to CIPA, MDCPS uses an Internet Content Filter to prevent user
access to prohibited material (MDCPS, 2015). This is an additional safeguard that has been
incorporated to safeguard students from being exposed to material that is offensive, just in-case
someone uploads inappropriate material (MDCPS, 2015). Personally, the innocence of children
needs to be protected so that they may focus on learning and growing healthfully.
Information and Records
Two key points of the MDCPS districts expectations for the appropriate use and
maintenance of students information and records included in the 3210 Standards of Ethical
Conduct are to: take reasonable precautions to distinguish between personal views and those of
any educational institution or organization with which the individual is affiliated and not
harass or discriminate against any student on any basis prohibited by law or the Board and shall
make reasonable efforts to assure that each student is protected from harassment or
discrimination (NEOLA, 2010). These guidelines are invaluable in protecting both the teacher
and the student. Combined they serve to prevent a teacher or student from being discriminated

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against for being gay because of individual views regarding homosexuality. Granted reasonable
efforts is not clearly defined and this is unfortunate. There should be guidelines defining it, to
prevent physical harm by others or the correlated sense of hopelessness that has been linked to
student suicide rates as a direct result of anti-gay bullying (NEOLA, 2015).
References
Florida Department of Education. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.fldoe.org/
MDCPS. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.dadeschools.net
NEOLA. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.neola.com/
Williams, R. (2012, November 26). Being gay at school remains difficult for teachers. Retrieved
from http://www.theguardian.com/education/2012/nov/26/gay-teachers-homophobiastonewall-research