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Monday, August 11, 2008
Ind. Law - "Governor announces school discipline plan to protect teachers"
From a press release issued today:
FORT WAYNE (August 11, 2008) -- Governor Mitch Daniels today announced his intention to seek legal protection for teachers and school staff who act in good faith to maintain discipline and order in their classrooms. * * *The governor said he would ask the 2009 Indiana General Assembly to pass a law providing legal immunity for teachers who act in good faith to preserve order in their classrooms or other school settings. In addition, he said he would work with the next Indiana Attorney General to help in this effort by using the office’s statutory authority to defend any teacher who becomes the target of unreasonable litigation.
Daniels said teachers should feel comfortable maintaining discipline in their classrooms. Though many cases do not result in litigation, teachers have said they frequently worry about taking action in difficult circumstances because they fear lawsuits. * * *
“In schools today, teachers are protected from litigation when they hand out medicine, but there are no protections for them when they try to prevent disruptive students from disturbing others who are trying to learn,” said the governor.
A number of states have implemented laws that are more protective of teachers than current Indiana law. Those are being reviewed to determine which have been the most effective and if they might serve as a good model for Indiana.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on August 11, 2008 10:15 AM
Posted to Indiana Government