Third- to fifth-grade students who physically attack a teacher, administrator or any other school employee or volunteer would be subject to in-school suspension or eventual expulsion ifmyHouse Bill 3885 passes the House.
I passed the bill on March 2 in the House Education Oversight Committee. It now awaitsavotebythefullmembership of the House.
This bill is necessary because of the number of reports we hear of student violence against educators and other students even in our earliest grades. In fact, the idea for this legislation was brought to me by a friend who was stabbed in her third-grade classroom during her first year teaching. The child was readmitted to her classroom after school administrators told her there was nothing they could do. That’s completely unacceptable.
This measure is modeled after language in state statute that outlines disciplinary measures for students in grades six through twelve; it’s modified to accommodate younger students. The discipline outlined is not meant to be overly punitive. It is only for those students whose intent is to cause bodily harm.
Discipline starts with a threeday in-school suspension for a first event. I’m hopeful this cooling off period could give students time to meet with school counselors to learn what they did wrong and how they might act differently.
If a student continues to behave violently, however, we must protect all involved. A third offense would result in expulsion for the remainder of the school year.
This gives clear guidance and cover to our school administrators.
I was questioned heavily on this bill in committee with some suggesting these consequences are too harsh. I don’t believe that to be true. A majority of committee members agreed with me, voting in favor of this bill. I’ve also gotten a lot of support from educators across the state. A survey conducted in February by one education group showed 61% of respondents had been assaulted or had witnessed an assault of a colleague; 79% were supportive of this bill. Many teachers have told me that student violence has made them want to quit the profession they otherwise love. We as a state have worked so hard to recruit and retain teachers.
This bill gives school district superintendents discretion to modify discipline on a case-by-case basis. If they determine, for instance, that a student did something involuntarily or accidently that harmed a teacher, they could waive or modify punishment.
At the end of the day, our teachers deserve to be protected and all students deserve to be in a safe environment. Wehaveaconstitutional obligation as a state to provide a free public education. But like many other constitutional protections, people can lose those rights if they violate our laws. If a student is disruptive to the classroom, we should have appropriate discipline measures in place to address the problem.
Remember, if I can help you with anything, please do not hesitate to reach out: (405) 557-7383 or Josh. Cantrell@OKHouse.gov.
Josh Cantrell serves District 49 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Love County and parts of Carter and Marshall counties.