September 12, 2006

Detroit cancels classes as teachers defy court

Detroit Public Schools officials are seeking sanctions against 92 percent of the teachers who defied a court order and didn't return to the classroom Monday. They are requesting that Judge Susan Borman find about 7,000 teachers in contempt of court. WSU law professor Robert Sedler says Borman has the authority to fine the Detroit Federation of Teachers for each day members disobey her ruling. The law also allows those found in contempt to be jailed and assessed a $250 fine for contempt, but judges rarely use the former option because it can be construed as violating the 13th Amendment, which bars involuntary servitude.

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