After Being Unobjected To On The Chamber’s Consent Calendar, A Bill Amending The Tennessee Teacher Code Of Ethics To Bar Educators From Engaging In Sexually Related Behaviors With Prior Students Unanimously Passed The Senate On Monday, March 2 With The House Version Slated To Be Heard In Subcommittee On March 4.
Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After being unobjected to on the chamber’s consent calendar, a bill amending the Tennessee teacher code of ethics to bar educators from engaging in sexually related behaviors with prior students unanimously passed the Senate on Monday, March 2.
SB2106 by Sen. Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro-District 13) would subject any teacher who engages in sexual conduct with a former student who had contact with that educator in the last 12 months to disciplinary action by the state board of education.
In the legislation, “sexually related behavior” is generally defined to mean any sexual jokes, remarks, teasing, or innuendo, pressuring the student for dates or sexual favors, inappropriate touching like groping or kissing, threatening physical harm, and committing a sexual offense.
A “former student” is defined as an individual, minor or non-minor, who graduated or withdrew from the Local Education Agency (LEA) or school at which the “educator taught, served as an administrator, performed any official duties as an educator, or was otherwise employed or served as a volunteer in a teaching or non-teaching role within the twelve month period immediately preceding the first instance of sexually related behavior reported for the educator to the state board of education.”
Should an educator violate these provisions, it must be reported to the state board of education and would constitute a basis for license discipline which could ultimately range in consequence from a formal reprimand to revocation of the license.
As the legislation was placed on the Senate consent calendar, which is generally reserved for resolutions or bills deemed non-controversial, there was no discussion or debate, and the body adopted the whole agenda as presented.
The House companion bill, HB1973, has been placed on the House Education Administration Subcommittee for Wednesday, March 4.
If you wish to contact the subcommittee members with thoughts on this legislation, use the information below:
House Education Administration Subcommittee– HB1973 to be heard on Wednesday, March 4
HB1973 prohibits educators from sexual behavior with prior students.
Rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov; rep.scott.cepicky@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ronnie.glynn@capitol.tn.gov; rep.chris.hurt@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jay.reedy@capitol.tn.gov; rep.mark.white@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
