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John Tobia, a Political Science professor at Valencia College has been placed on administrative leave with pay following allegations of misconduct involving the use of county employees to assist with grading student papers. The decision, outlined in a formal notice from the College, comes as the institution initiates an internal review to assess the situation and determine any necessary actions.
The allegations, brought to the College’s attention by an external party, believed to be Tobia’s former employee Christopher Davis, suggests that Tobia who is a Brevard County Commissioner directed his staff to grade assignments for classes. Both of Tobia’s employees were questioned by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as part of a state investigation into the allegations. You can listen to their sworn testimony below.
After an investigation into these and other allegations, a state prosecutor declined to file charges. The investigative report stated, at least in some of the allegations, that probable cause could not be established.
Valencia College has responded by placing Tobia on paid administrative leave, a temporary measure they say is designed to minimize disruption to student learning and ensure a thorough investigation. The College has emphasized that this leave is not disciplinary but rather a precautionary step taken during the review process. Tobia’s salary and benefits remain unaffected.
During the leave, he is prohibited from performing any work for the College unless specifically instructed by the administration. Additionally, the professor is barred from entering any Valencia College property or using the College’s network and systems, except for limited communication with designated contacts. The College has stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity and discretion of the review process.
The College’s internal review aims to verify the allegations and assess the extent of any policy violations.
Tobia has stated he intends to cooperate fully during this period, and the College has expressed its intention to conclude the review promptly. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
The letter Tobia received from Valencia is below in its entirety.
Recently, Valencia College received information from an external party alleging behavior by you that is potentially in violation of College policies, processes, and procedures. Based on the nature of the reported information, the College is reviewing this matter internally to determine the necessity of further institutional response. To minimize any potential disruption to student learning during. or as a result of this review, and to allow for a thorough review of all available information, effective immediately you are hereby placed on Administrative Leave of Absence with Pay (based upon your assigned responsibilities as Professor, Political Science) in accordance with College Policy 6Hx28:3D-
02 Leaves of Absence. This leave status may be reevaluated should new information become available, should your leave adversely affect department operational needs, or at the conclusion of the review into these circumstances.
The College has set forth the following expectations of you while on Administrative Leave of Absence with Pay:
As outlined in the referenced policy and procedure, your placement on Administrative Leave of Absence with Pay is not considered disciplinary in nature and is considered a temporary action taken by the College during the review being undertaken. As this action is not disciplinary, it is not an appealable or grievable matter. Also, Administrative Leave of Absence with Pay does not impact your salary or benefits. Please note that through the remainder of your Administrative Leave of Absence with Pay, you are expected to continue to abide by all established college policies, processes, and procedures.
Our goal is to review this matter in a timely manner and determine any next steps as may be indicated. I (or a representative from Organizational Development or Human Resources) will be contacting you soon to discuss this matter further. Your cooperation and availability are greatly appreciated during this process. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
