Educators Accused of Sexual Abuse Will Have Teaching Licenses Suspended
By Hank Russell
The Board of Regents recently announced it has approved a rule that would suspend the teaching license of educators who are accused of sexual abuse. They said this would protect the student while providing due process to the accused teacher. The rule will take effect on May 21.
Under the rule, the state Education Commissioner may serve a summary suspension to any teacher who has been sexually involved with a student, or who “violated the appropriate boundaries of the teacher/student relationship” (such as sending inappropriate text messages to a student). The teacher would also be given a “fast track” hearing while their license is suspended.
The educator in question would receive a verified petition identifying the sex offense or boundary violation that, in the Education Department’s view, supports interim suspension. These allegations shall be based upon sworn statements, personal knowledge, and/or exhibits that demonstrate, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the public health, safety, or welfare imperatively requires emergency action to summarily suspend the individual’s certification.
Upon request, an oral argument may be scheduled, during which a hearing officer designated by the Commissioner will allow the parties to be heard. No testimony will be taken and, absent a request by the certificate holder, no transcript of oral arguments will be required.
According to a Newsday report, Long Island school districts paid $167 million and settled 117 lawsuits involving teachers sexually abusing students. Further, there are 50 active lawsuits, including more than 20 legal actions against the Bay Shore School District. So far, the district has doled out $55 million in settlements.
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) for a reaction to the new rule. “NYSUT has reviewed the regulations put forward by the Board of Regents and believe they strike the right balance in protecting students and protecting due process,” NYSUT spokesperson Ben Amey said in a statement. “We continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure schools remain safe spaces for everyone.”