|
Delvin bill to protect students to age 21 from teacher sexual misconduct bill passed by Senate March 3, 2009
OLYMPIA…Richland
Sen. Jerome
Delvin is one step closer to protecting every secondary
school student in Washington from teacher sexual misconduct with
today’s unanimous Senate vote for Substitute Senate Bill 5232.
The bill would change current teacher sexual-misconduct laws to cover
all students, including those who have reached the 21-year-old age limit
for students in Washington public schools.
“When the Legislature originally passed this law we obviously intended
to protect all students from predatory teachers, regardless of the
student’s age,” Delvin said. “Unfortunately the law was unclear. This
bill clarifies the statute, stating that first-degree sexual misconduct
involving a student means any
student, age 16 to 21.”
Washington’s sex offender laws cover those under age 16. Senate Bill
5232 applies to sexual misconduct on the part of any school employee
against a student.
Delvin introduced the bill in response to last summer’s dismissal of a
Benton County Superior Court case involving former Richland High School
teacher Allan
Eve on a charge of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor. The
judge ruled that the definition of “minor” is too vague and may not
include students over age 17. Eve was accused of having sex with an
18-year-old female student.
“Parents in the Tri-Cities – and all over Washington – were upset about
that ruling, and for good reason,” Delvin said. “This loophole in the
law allowed unscrupulous teachers to target students who were turning
18, and prepare them for a relationship. It’s the worst kind of breach
of trust. I am determined to eliminate this loophole in the law, and
keep every student safe.” SB 5232 now goes to the House of Representatives. - 30 - Sen. Delvin represents the 8th
Legislative District, which includes
Richland, Kennewick, Benton City, and Prosser. |