Detroit Teacher Union Head Faces Accusations

Simmering tensions within the Detroit Federation of Teachers are about to come to a boil, with some union members accusing controversial president Steve Conn of misconduct.

The allegations range from bad behavior at union meetings to claims that Conn has aligned the union with a national social justice group, all in violation of the DFT's constitution and bylaws, according to a letter Executive Vice President Ivy Bailey posted online Thursday. A closed hearing on the matter will be held Monday.

Conn, 57, has been on the job for about six months since narrowly winning the election in January.

"It's just an attempt to divide and distract the teachers, the members, from the real job of fighting the attacks on our health care, our jobs and our schools," Conn said in response to the charges.

The former teacher has long been a controversial figure. He has strong ties to the fiery social justice group By Any Means Necessary. Some teachers have been circulating petitions trying to recall him.
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