I am in the process of starting a T-Shirt printing business in my hometown of Bridgman Michigan and in order to do so, I feel it necessary to resolve a situation I have with the Michigan Department of Labor. This dispute originated back in the fall of 2021, but remains fluid as the MI Dept of Labor continues to come after me for benefits I received following my departure from Bridgman Public Schools. The issue isn't about paying back the benefits as much as it is about my being accused of defrauding the State of Michigan which I unequivocally deny and take great offense to.
In the eyes of the MI Department of Labor, I committed fraud by filing an unemployment claim when my employer (Bridgman Public Schools) claimed that I had quit voluntarily and without notice. The only evidence Bridgman Public Schools provided to the MI Department of Labor were two pay stubs (which actually proved I was on some sort of paid leave) and the testimony of Reed Middle School Principal John Truesdell who was tasked with notifying me that I was being placed on Administrative Leave. BPS provided no other evidence or testimony that I had quit without notice and it was just my word against theirs.
Based on information and belief, Bridgman Public Schools placed me on paid Administrative Leave pending an investigation of Professional Misconduct in order to force me out of BPS without any form of due-process (Deprivation of Rights under the Color of Law). After the two weeks of paid Administrative Leave, I did not receive another payment nor did I ever hear from Principal Truesdell or anyone else from Bridgman Public Schools again. My primary concern is that if I were to startup the business in Bridgman, what would prevent Bridgman Public Schools from claiming that I am a fraud and encourage BPS teams and organizations not to do business with me? BPS has already proven that they are willing to cause great financial and emotional harm to me so I have every reason to be concerned. This could also impact other area School Districts which would be the majority of my T-shirt printing business.
If I am unable to correct the record with the State of Michigan and clear my name and reputation, then I will most likely not open the business. The following is a timeline of events along with supporting documentation.
Based on information and belief, Bridgman Public Schools placed me on paid Administrative Leave pending an investigation of Professional Misconduct in order to force me out of BPS without any form of due-process (Deprivation of Rights under the Color of Law). After the two weeks of paid Administrative Leave, I did not receive another payment nor did I ever hear from Principal Truesdell or anyone else from Bridgman Public Schools again. My primary concern is that if I were to startup the business in Bridgman, what would prevent Bridgman Public Schools from claiming that I am a fraud and encourage BPS teams and organizations not to do business with me? BPS has already proven that they are willing to cause great financial and emotional harm to me so I have every reason to be concerned. This could also impact other area School Districts which would be the majority of my T-shirt printing business.
If I am unable to correct the record with the State of Michigan and clear my name and reputation, then I will most likely not open the business. The following is a timeline of events along with supporting documentation.