School Safety Law Blog – Page 95 – News and Information for School Safety

Safety Law News for January 4, 2016

by Bernie James • January 4, 2016

In Illinois, a new law requires student teacher applicants to submit to a finger print analysis. All school districts must verify that a new teacher is not on the sex offender, child murderer or violent offender against youth registries. [SB 706].

In New Hampshire, a new law prohibits school officials from making students reveal their social networking accounts, or supply account information, or force students to add school officials to their accounts. The school district would have to request information from parents. The law does not apply to accounts created at a school or on school computers. [House Bill 142].

In North Carolina, a new law requires school bus drivers to manage student safety by using hand signals to help guide kids on when it’s safe to cross the street.

In New York, a new law escalating felony penalties for human trafficking and prostitution in a school zone. [Bill Number A00506].

Safety Law News for December 21, 2015

by Bernie James • December 21, 2015

In New Mexico, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled that the arrest of a student with special needs for kicking a teacher in violation of state law prohibiting battery upon school personnel did not constitute discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. [J.H. ex rel. J.P. v. Bernalillo County].

The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that a 17 year-old student was not in custody when he was interviewed by police in the counselor’s office of his high school. School officials did not participate in the interrogation, the student was told he was not under arrest, and there was evidence he had been advised he could leave whenever he wanted to do so. [Farra v. Commonwealth].

The Nebraska Court of Appeals ruled that a school official had reasonable suspicion to search the backpack of a student after hearing a “clunk” sound when the backpack was set down on a counter. There existed a “sufficient probability” that the sound was produced by a prohibited or illegal item, justifying the search that produced a knife. [In re Interest of Dana H.].

In Texas, the United States District Court ruled that school officials’ search of a sixth grade student while investigating an incident involving stink bombs was reasonable under the Fourth Amendment. The student’s name came up multiple times, he admitted that he had stink bombs, which was violation of school rules, and during the search a weapon was found. [Deyo v. Tomball Independent School Dist.].

Safety Law News for December 16, 2015

by Bernie James • December 16, 2015

In Nebraska, the Lincoln Police Department will begin to include de-escalation tactics into its defensive and control tactics training. It is part of an assessment into how officers diffuse tense situations. When an officer does use force, a report must be filled out to explain what he or she did before using force.

In Massachusetts, A long-awaited external audit of the Worchester schools’ security measures recommends making more than $1 million worth of “critical” improvements, from creating a new emergency management administrator position to increasing security at school entrances.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is using the third anniversary of the rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut to remind local officials of the “Rhode Island Model School Safety Plan.”

In an extension of restorative justice discipline policies, New York City officials are considering new rules that would prohibit school administrators from notifying school police about crimes that include graffiti, vandalism, harassment, bullying, disorderly conduct and refusal to provide identification.

Safety Law News for December 8, 2015

by Bernie James • December 8, 2015

In Indiana, school officials in Muncie are moving away from zero tolerance policies with a new discipline policy that combines elements of restorative justice with mandated suspensions.

New Jersey school districts are improving social media safety by taking a proactive approach to educate students and parents.

In North Carolina, educators and law enforcement officials in Washington County have launched a gang education and awareness program for 4th through 7th grade students.

In Florida, a new law takes effect that decriminalizes sexting by juveniles. First-time offenders receive a noncriminal citation, pay a $60 fine, and do community service or take an eight-hour online class to clear the violation. [Florida Statutes section 847.0141].

Safety Law News for December 2, 2015

by Bernie James • December 2, 2015

In Tennessee, the Winchester School Board has approved a computer-based system that will scan IDs to ensure student safety, but how necessary the move is has now come into question.

In Illinois, school officials in Edwardsville have created a Crime Scene Investigation Lab Project for high school students. The CSI Lab is a cooperative effort of school resource officers and the Science Department. In Iowa, a similar CSI program is underway in the Pleasant Hill schools.

In Kentucky, the police chief of Louisville has posted a letter sent to school officials setting forth what school resource officers can and can’t do at schools.

In Minnesota, the outgoing chairwoman of the St. Paul Board of Education is questioning the value of police officers in the city’s high schools. The Board has agreed to conduct a survey about the issue.

Safety Law News for November 24, 2015

by Bernie James • November 24, 2015

New York City officials reached a settlement in a lawsuit brought by students who argued NYPD school resource officers used excessive and inappropriate force. The city will pay $54,000 to the four former students who brought the case.

The New York City Department of Education announced they are installing 21,000 audible door alarms at New York City schools under the provisions of “Avonte’s Law.” The law, the local version of which was signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Congressional version (SB 163) by President Obama, mandates the placement of audible alarms in public schools to warn education officials if a student tries to leave the building.

In Wisconsin, the legislature is considering two bills that call for all public high schools, as well as those in the choice and charter school programs, to report school crime data. The data would be included on each school’s report card, which also contains test scores, graduation rates and demographic information.

In Texas, the Texas School Safety Center has joined forces with the Texas Education Agency to help schools combat bullying. The focus is on a new program called Girls Inc., which helps female students learn more about how to handle tough situations.

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