Pipping v. Department of Corrections

After more than twenty-six years as a chaplain in the employ of the Department of Corrections, David Pipping faced dismissal for, among other things, permitting one inmate to photograph another wearing a Halloween mask. While finding misconduct— the camera belonged to the Department, and contraband found in the prison chapel suggested inadequate supervision — the Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) did not find him guilty of all charges; and agreed with, the chaplain that dismissal was too severe a sanction for what was proven.

In this way, the Reverend Mr. Pipping not only succeeded…