Muñoz apologizes for plagiarizing Thanksgiving letter
Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Michael Muñoz has apologized to staff for plagiarizing a ‘thank you’ letter that went out last week — calling it a “bad choice” that has “damaged your respect and trust in me.”
“I humbly take full responsibility for my own error in judgement,” Muñoz said Monday. “I took a short cut, and I know it was wrong.”
The apology from Muñoz came in response to a message sent out last Wednesday in which the superintendent was found to have lifted entire paragraphs from other writings, without attribution.
“I know this behavior is not acceptable and minimizes my intent to tell you that I understand that last Spring and this school year have been very challenging for all of you and let you know that I truly do appreciate everything that all of you are doing to meet the needs of all our students and families and supporting each other,” Muñoz wrote to staff.
“I was taught by my father to own up to your mistake and I am doing that now. It was wrong what I did and trying to explain what led me to do this would just come across as making excuses and I don’t want to do that. I can tell you that I am committed to rebuild your confidence and trust in me every single day. I will learn from this mistake and be a better leader and person moving forward.”
The full text of the apology letter can be viewed here.
Cover photo: file / Muñoz
