Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
In a show of bipartisan support, a bill which will make it a crime for employees of schools and local education agencies to bully or harass students unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 23.
HB1733 by Rep. Debra Moody (R-Covington-District 81) creates a criminal offense for any school employee who intentionally engages in bullying or cyberbullying a student.
The bill also clarifies that if a teacher or school employee of a local education agency is “found to have committed an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyberbullying,” they would be subject to dismissal or suspension.
Under the legislation, “bullying” is defined as any act that “substantially interferes with a victim’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance,” and if that act has the effect of physically harming the victim, damaging their property, placing the victim in reasonable fear of physical harm or property damage, or otherwise creates a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process.
During the committee meeting, Rep. Moody further elaborated that should an employee be convicted of bullying under this legislation, it would become a part of their permanent record so if that teacher or employee attempts to go to another school district for employment, their record would follow and be available for other potential employers to examine.
There was no further discussion from the committee, and the vote was 20-0 in favor of the bill. HB1733 will now move to the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee before it can get to the House floor.
The Senate companion bill, SB1774, has already unanimously passed the Senate, reiterating the strong support for this legislation from Republicans and Democrats alike.
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.
