Bill Would Force Violent Students to Change Schools

 Maryland Delegates Ann Marie Doory (D. Baltimore) and Joseph F. Vallario (D. Calvert, PG) and Democrat Senators Norman Stone and Miller are introducing bills  that may finally turn the tables in favor of victims of violent crimes who are students in the public school system.

 House Bill 920 and Senate Bill 519 would enable the victim of a violent crime the option of requiring the offender to change schools.

 Katie O’Malley-Simpson, media relations coordinator with Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) told The Bay Net that depending on the circumstances a student is presumed innocent until adjudication and that CCPS will not transfer a student based on an accusation.  It is unlikely that the bills will have an impact on that procedure.

 The synopsis of HB 920 states:

 “Requiring the State Board of Education to adopt specified policies; requiring a local superintendent to provide specified notice to a student who is the victim of specified crimes or acts committed by another student upon a specified conviction or finding; requiring a local superintendent to transfer a specified student upon a specified determination; etc.”

 O’Malley-Simpson also stated, “A student can be removed from the school if, for example, the student has been convicted of a criminal offense, or if the principal has determined that the student has violated the Code of Student Conduct.”

 According to O’Malley-Simpson, a student who has been criminally charged with a violent crime may be removed from the regular program placement for 30-day periods if the principal believes the student constitutes a danger to himself or others.  Current policy also allows possible removal if the student’s continued presence constitutes a disruption to the school setting.

 “In addition, the law requires school systems to allow victims of serious crimes to transfer to another school within the system upon request. The law dictates that the crime take place on school property, but Charles County Public Schools’ practice is to allow victims of a serious crime that place the alleged perpetrator or other associated individuals together with them to move to a school in which they feel more safe or comfortable.”