— In Maryland, the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland ruled that school officials were immune from claims of negligent school discipline in a case involving repeated attacks upon a student by fellow-students. The victim argued that steps taken by the school were not solving the problem. The court ruled that, “Maryland does not recognize a tort action seeking damages based on negligent education,” particularly after implementing the restorative model of student discipline that uses “discipline as more of a learning tool, and less of a punishment.” The court also ruled that the Paul D. Coverdell Teacher Protection Act, was a federal law source of teacher immunity in the case. Brandon Gambrill v. Board of Education of Dorchester County
— In Rhode Island, the Supreme Court of Rhode Island ruled that school officials were liable for harm to a student by a fellow-student who, “despite numerous instances of misbehavior, including conduct that violated the high school’s sexual harassment and anti-bullying policies…received no progressive punishment.” The court held that the restorative justice policies would not protect the school when, “there is evidence that the school district exercised no degree of care in the face of a known, foreseeable danger.” Dextraze v. Bernard.
— In Illinois, school officials in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates will renew the three-year agreements with their police departments to provide school resource officers to the schools. The officers teach (internet safety, drug and gang resistance, and stranger danger), assist with truancy and residency issues, and interact with students as positive role models.
— In Massachusetts, the Yarmouth Police Department is working with the schools to host a Summer Cop Camp for all youths aged 10 to 13. The 5-week camp is free of charge and will feature the different jobs and functions of police work as well as engage with children in fun events utilizing the school grounds.