Duty of Fidelity

Understanding Your Duty of Fidelity

As school district employees, we all have a legal responsibility known as the duty of fidelity. This duty isn’t just about following our contract. It’s a basic legal principle under common law. This principle requires employees to act with honesty, loyalty, and good faith toward their employer.

While you’re employed by the district, you are expected to be honest and trustworthy in your work. Remain loyal to the employer. Avoid actions or statements that could harm the reputation or interests of the district.

Breaches of the duty of fidelity could include publicly criticizing the school board, trustees, or other staff members. It could also involve speaking negatively about district practices, policies, or programs in public forums (including social media). Additionally, engaging in any conduct—online or offline—that could undermine the employer’s credibility or operations is included.

Violating the duty of fidelity may lead to serious consequences. These include disciplinary action. This could even result in termination of employment.