Injustice at CUNY

To the Editor:

Is the City University of New York (CUNY) civil service system supposed to be the same as the city civil service system? If it is, I am confused.

I was recently brought up on charges for using my work computer to e-mail my opinions to the editors of various New York newspapers. Of course, other minor insubordination charges were included to justify the penalty. I was never made aware of the CUNY policy, and my supervisors knew I was using the computer for that purpose and did not object, verbally or in writing. Therefore, as far as I knew I was not doing anything wrong.

Suddenly, I am brought up on charges without any verbal warnings or written reprimands, no counseling, no time given for improvement, in essence no due process, followed by immediate charges and immediate unfair and harsh penalties. Shouldn't the penalty fit the crime?

A so-called fair hearing was held so I could issue my rebuttal to the charges. Surprisingly, my rebuttal was completely ignored by the hearing officer, Deputy Director of Human Resources, who works for the person who brought the charges against me, the Director of Human Resources. Can this be considered a fair hearing?

As a result, I am serving a 60-day suspension since April 13, to be followed by immediate termination. Shouldn't the penalty fit the crime? Something is definitely wrong in a civil service environment where the Director of Human Resources can prevent an employee from earning a living with a two-month suspension followed by immediate termination. Isn't the purpose of the civil service system to prevent and defend against this exact arbitrary action of one individual who simply holds a title or position. If this is the treatment that a civil servant within the CUNY system can expect, then what is the value of that system?

CARLOS OLIVERAS, Purchasing Agent, Level II, John Jay College