Court Upholds Dismissal of Teacher Convicted of Harassment

TDT | Manama

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A government school teacher's lawsuit challenging her dismissal was rejected by the High Administrative Court. The Ministry of Education had terminated her employment following a criminal conviction for harassment.

The court affirmed the ministry's decision, stating that the teacher's continued employment would be incompatible with the nature of her work, particularly in the field of education.

The teacher had been sentenced to two months in prison and fined 1,000 dinars for harassing a woman over 11 years through various communication channels.

She argued that her dismissal was unfair, citing her positive performance evaluations and letters of appreciation from her workplace.

However, the court referenced the Civil Service Law, which mandates the termination of a public servant's employment upon a final conviction for a felony or a crime involving deprivation of liberty, particularly if the crime is considered detrimental to their honour or integrity.

The court emphasised that while the law doesn't explicitly define "crimes detrimental to honor or integrity," it allows for interpretation based on societal norms.

The court concluded that the teacher's conviction for harassment, a crime deemed morally reprehensible by society, warranted her dismissal.

The court highlighted that the education sector demands high moral standards and integrity from its employees, regardless of whether they are teachers or administrators.

The court stressed that the teacher's actions were incompatible with the profession's responsibility to nurture and educate young minds.

The court ultimately ruled that the Ministry of Education's decision to terminate the teacher's employment was lawful and justified.

The court also ordered the teacher to bear the legal costs associated with the lawsuit.