Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A piece of legislation passed by the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday would add a section to the Tennessee teacher code of ethics, barring educators from engaging in sexually related behaviors with prior students.
Sponsored by Sen. Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro-District 13), SB2106 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” includes, but is not limited to, “behaviors such as making sexual jokes or sexual remarks; engaging in sexual kidding, sexual teasing, or sexual innuendo; pressuring the student or former student for dates or sexual favors; engaging in inappropriate physical touching, groping, or grabbing; kissing; threatening physical harm; and committing a sexual offense or violent sexual offense.”
“Former student” is defined as a minor or non-minor individual 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.
During the meeting on Wednesday, some committee members raised questions about the definitions and the timeframe of the 12-month provision.
“Say a student, who is not a minor, they’ve graduated, they decide to enter into a consensual relationship, this would affect the teacher’s ability to get a license?” asked Democrat Sen. Raumesh Akbari.
Sen. White confirmed that as long as the relationship begins at least a year after the student graduated, it would be permissible.
Republican Sen. Adam Lowe also sought some clarification, “Let’s say you had an 18-year-old student that’s graduated, but six months later they reconnect with the former educator, that would qualify, correct?”
Sen. White reiterated the 12-month waiting period, so a relationship of this nature could be subject to the disciplinary provisions set forth in the bill.
There was no further discussion on the bill, and the vote was a unanimous 9-0 in favor. SB2106 will now progress to the full Senate. Its House companion, HB1973, is scheduled for the House Education Administration Subcommittee on Tuesday, March 3.
This bill could be coming in response to a growing number of reports about grooming and sex crimes committed by teachers in the Tennessee public school system as more educators are exposed for or convicted of inappropriate behaviors against students including sexual battery, physical abuse, and assault.
Other legislation on this topic has been filed this session, like HB2317 by Republican Jody Barrett which is attempting to stop the sexual abuse of children before it happens by creating a Class E felony offense for any adult who engages in the practice of grooming a child for sexual exploitation.
Rep. Barrett’s HB2317 is scheduled for the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee for Wednesday, March 4.
To contact members of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee about HB2317 or the House Education Administration Subcommittee regarding HB1973, use the information below:
Rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov; rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov; rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov; rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov; rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov; rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov; rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.scott.cepicky@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.ronnie.glynn@capitol.tn.gov
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.
