Author: Bernie James

Safety Law News for May 20, 2020

In Tennessee, the United States District Court ruled that educators violated the rights of a student who was suspended and transferred to an alternative school.  The court found that disciplinary proceedings “rubber-stamped” the decision of the school principal without providing…

Safety Law News for May 15, 2020

— In Texas, the United States District Court ruled that school officials were not immune from an assault claim bought by parents of a student who went to school in a haircut with a scalp design, which educators filled in…

Safety Law News for May 11, 2020

• In New Mexico, the Court of Appeals held that a school district and a school resource officer did not violate the rights of special needs student who was handcuffed after refusing to do his classwork, taking off his shoes…

Safety Law News for May 5, 2020

• In Indiana, the New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation has proposed a referendum to improve school safety and increase counseling services for children.  The referendum would open up $3.33 million per year to make schools safer.  A new Indiana…

Safety Law News for April 28, 2020

• A new Report published by the U.S. Department of Justice details the results of five “listening sessions” with the leadership of rural law enforcement agencies in five states.  The Report emphasizes lessons officers learn working in rural and remote…

Safety Law News for April 24, 2020

• In Oklahoma, the Senate passed a gun bill that opens the door for more school employees to carry guns.  House Bill 2336 passed through the House last year and now goes to the Governor.  If enacted, the law would…

Safety Law News for April 14, 2020

In Kentucky, the United States District Court held that the rights of a parent were not violated when educators reported their safety concerns to law enforcement after the parent made threatening statements in frustration at bullying his son was experiencing. …

Safety Law News for April 9, 2020

• In Kentucky, the General Assembly passed the 2020-2021 budget that includes a $40 million earmark to implement the recently enacted school safety laws.  The laws require specific security measures at school buildings, mandate more mental health and counseling services,…

Safety Law News for April 3, 2020

• In Ohio, the Court of Appeals of Ohio held that school officials in the Madison Local School District did not have the authority to arm employees with firearms based on a policy that requires only “24 hours of active…