Safety Law News for October 28, 2022

— In New Mexico, the United States District Court ruled that an injured student, who obtains more details in discovery about school indifference in protecting students, is entitled to amend her allegations.  The court ruled that the additional information – e.g., the school did not impose any discipline on the perpetrator despite knowing previously instances of rape, assaults, and inappropriate behavior – “connect(ed) the dots” to “facilitate a better resolution of the issues.”  The court held that “(the student’s) proposed additions merely provide more detail about existing allegations.”  Doe v Taos Municipal Schools

— In Kentucky, schools are struggling to hire police officers after a Kentucky law went into effect requiring officers in every school building.  According to a report from the State School Security Marshall’s office, nearly 55% of schools didn’t have an officer on campus.

— In Texas, the Marfa Independent School District received its first exterior door safety audit, a random security check performed by the Texas School Safety Center at the behest of Governor Greg Abbott as part of a statewide effort to assess school security in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde last May. The initiative to ensure the proper locking of exterior doors is a result of authorities discovering that the Robb Elementary shooter entered through a door with an automatic lock that failed.

— In Michigan, the Grand Island Public Schools and the Grand Island Police Department are partnering on a new program for elementary students: Lunch with a LEO (law enforcement officer).  The officers will adopt an elementary school where they would visit with students.  The goal of the program is to help familiarize students with law enforcement while also allowing the officers to familiarize themselves with the school and administration.