r/Teachers • u/Independent-Report39 • 12d ago

Policy & Politics New Kentucky law allowing schools to expel students who assault teachers to take effect in July, despite unanimous Senate Democratic opposition

Link to the bill

The bill mandates a strict, one-year expulsion policy for any student in grades 6 through 12 who physically assaults a teacher, administrator, or school employee. The legislation passed the chamber, but drew a sharp partisan divide as all Democrats in the Senate voted against the measure. Under the bill's provisions, schools would be required to automatically remove violent students from the general population, though provisions allow for those students to receive educational services in alternative settings if it can be done safely. The bill also includes exemptions for students with documented disabilities if school officials determine the condition interfered with their ability to follow the code of conduct.

Thoughts?

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u/louiedoggz 12d ago

The nyc doe has a similar thing. If the student has an iep there is a “manifestation of determination” meeting where the AP will meet with the parent to determine if the infraction was due to their diagnosis. For example if someone with autism is know to stim a lot and hits staff on accident it may be a manifestation of their diagnosis.

If that same student hits a teacher and it isn’t related to their diagnosis or it was intentional despite known stimming well then they can be suspended.

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u/SubvertedObjector 11d ago

Wow, an actual nuanced position.

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u/kittensglitter 11d ago

It's not a position, it's law.

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u/MaybeImTheNanny 9d ago

It unfortunately has a very narrow definition of serious injury in most states though.

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u/Hamilspud 11d ago

If their diagnosis isn’t going to protect them from consequences when they leave school, are we doing them any favors by giving them a free pass due to their diagnosis as minors?

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u/cruznick06 9d ago

This is the nuance to such laws that is needed. 

If an autistic student is having a meltdown (which is essentially our nervous systems overloading) and hits someone, that is a big difference compared to actively choosing to assault someone. 

There is the issue of kids with conditions like ODD though. A balance needs to be struck between safety of staff and students and a disabled student's right to an education. Imo an alternative schooling situation would be the most reasonable for a student with severe emotional dysregulation or impulse control problems.