New York City Educators Placed on Unpaid Leave Over Alleged Use of Counterfeit COVID-19 Vaccination Cards

Dozens of New York City educators have been placed on unpaid leave for allegedly using counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination cards. Approximately 70 staff members were ordered to leave after submitting what were determined to be fake vaccine proofs, as reported by the New York Times. This action came after law enforcement alerted the New York Department of Education regarding the suspected fraudulent cards. Nathaniel Styer, a spokesperson for the Education Department, stated, “Fraudulent vaccination cards are not only illegal, they also undermine the best line of protection our schools have against COVID-19 — universal adult vaccination.”

Investigation Details

The investigation is being conducted by the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District, in collaboration with law enforcement, although the specific agency involved has not been disclosed. Details on how authorities confirmed the falsity of the vaccination cards have not been released. The United Federation of Teachers has called the allegations “unproven,” emphasizing that suspending teachers’ pay without evidence is a violation of due process. The union asserts that some educators may have been mistakenly placed on leave despite providing valid proof of vaccination. Beth A. Norton, a union attorney, expressed concern in a letter to the department, stating, “It is wholly improper for the D.O.E. to unilaterally remove U.F.T. members from the payroll based on mere conjecture that vaccination documentation is fraudulent.”

Education Department’s Response

The Education Department reiterated its position, noting, “We immediately moved to put these employees — fewer than 100 — on leave without pay.” Recent data indicates a 55% increase in new COVID-19 cases in New York City over the past two weeks, primarily due to the Omicron subvariant BA.2, with hospitalizations rising by 10% during the same timeframe. Creating a fake vaccination card or providing false vaccination information is a felony in New York and a violation of federal law.

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Conclusion

In summary, several New York City teachers were placed on unpaid leave due to allegations of using fake COVID-19 vaccination cards. The educators’ union has contested these claims, suggesting that some teachers may have been wrongly accused. The situation is under investigation, with rising COVID-19 cases in the city adding urgency to the matter.