Because her drug test came up positive for marijuana use, the Shenendehowa Central School District ended up firing its employee (who happened to be a bus driver).
When an arbitrator later found the termination to have been an extreme penalty, and directed that the woman be reinstated pursuant to the terms of the governing collective bargaining agreement, the School District appealed.
Because the arbitrator didn't exceed his authority or power, and because his decision neither violated public policy nor was "irrational," both the Appellate Division Third Department, and our State's highest court--the New York State Court of Appeals--left the arbitrator's decision undisturbed.
Think they lightened up?
To view a copy of the Court of Appeals' decision, please use this link: Matter of Shenendehowa Cent. Sch. Dist. Bd. Of Educ.