Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Texas gov. signs student criminal disclosure law (AP)

DALLAS – Texas Gov. Rick Perry has signed into law a measure that gives the state's teachers more access to criminal information about their students.

The law will require written notification of student arrests as well as details about parolees from the juvenile justice system. It was prompted by the 2009 fatal stabbing of a teacher in Tyler, Texas, by a 16-year-old who had been released from the Texas Youth Commission.

The legislation's sponsor Rep. Jerry Madden said Monday that Perry's approval ensures "a safe learning environment" for teachers and students.

The legislation was strongly supported by educators. But it drew criticism from juvenile justice advocates who believe it undercuts the confidentiality necessary for young people to overcome mistakes.

Texas already provides more background on students than most states permit.


View the original article here

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