Louisiana Senate Bill SR200

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/14
• Passed: 6/2/14

Caption

Requests the state Department of Education to study current discipline statutes and policies and make recommendations to the Senate for ways to protect teachers from classroom violence.

Impact

The adoption of SR200 would not result in immediate legislative changes but seeks to prompt a thorough examination aimed at strengthening existing student discipline statutes. It encourages the inclusion of testimonies from key educational organizations to gather diverse perspectives on issues pertaining to classroom safety. The findings and recommendations from this study, expected to be reported by February 1, 2015, could significantly influence future legislation designed to enhance the protection of teachers.

Summary

Senate Resolution 200, introduced by Senator Guillory, calls for the Louisiana Department of Education to conduct a comprehensive study of current discipline statutes and policies regarding violence against teachers in classrooms. The resolution underscores the alarming statistics that show a significant number of teachers facing threats of violence, with reports indicating that over 250,000 teachers are threatened annually and more than 127,000 physically attacked by students. The financial implications of teacher victimization are substantial, exceeding two billion dollars across the nation, accounting for lost wages, attrition, and medical costs.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SR200 appears to be supportive, reflecting a consensus on the need to address teacher safety within the educational system. Stakeholders, including educators and advocacy groups, have expressed grain seriousness over violence in schools and the mental health repercussions for teachers. This resolution highlights a proactive approach towards safeguarding the teaching environment.

Contention

While the resolution is predominantly aligned with increasing protective measures for teachers, there could be concern regarding how recommended changes to discipline policies are implemented. Any modifications arising from the study may spark debates over balancing discipline in schools with ensuring fair treatment for students. The discussions around SR200 may bring attention to the broader issues of discipline equity and student rights in the context of enhancing teacher safety.