Image Credit: Gov. Bill Lee / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Governor Lee has officially signed into law a bill amending the state teacher code of ethics to bar educators who engage in sexually related behaviors with former students.
SB2106 by Sen. Dawn White and Rep. Mark White would subject educators who engage in sexually prohibited behaviors with former students who had contact with that educator in the last 12 months to disciplinary action by the state board of education.
“Sexually related behavior” is defined as including, but is not limited to, making sexual jokes or sexual remarks; sexual innuendo; pressuring the student or former student for dates or sexual favors; inappropriate physical touching; and committing a sexual offense or violent sexual offense.
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.
U.S. authorities on the topic of sexual misconduct at the hands of educators say that predators target children and teens with behavior that crosses boundaries but that their fellow teachers rarely report such incidents, so this legislation aims to curb some of that predatory behavior.
The portion of the new law promulgating rules will take effect immediately and the remainder of the legislation’s provisions will take effect on July 1.
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.
