Casten, Frankel, Hayes Introduce Bill to Protect Students From Sexual Harassment and Assault
Washington, D.C – Today, U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Lois Frankel (FL-22), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act, legislation to combat sexual harassment, assault, and sex-based discrimination occurring in K-12 schools.
"At least one in four female and one in six male students face sexual abuse, but right now, our schools don't have the resources necessary to protect students from this abuse,” said Rep. Casten. “Schools should be a safe haven for children – a place they can learn, grow, and build a community they trust. It’s more important than ever that we equip schools with the tools they need to protect students from sexual harassment and abuse. The Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act does just that.”
"School should be a safe place for students to learn and grow, free from the fear of sexual assault or harassment," said Rep. Frankel. "This bill will protect our children by ensuring students are aware of their rights and have access to the tools they need to pursue their education free from sexual misconduct in the classroom."
“If students feel unsafe at school, they can not learn. Unfortunately, there is a gap in resources at K-12 schools to combat sexual harassment, assault, and sex-based discrimination,” said Rep. Hayes. “The Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act creates clear standards, guidelines, and the appropriate funding to educate students and teachers about Title IX violations and keep students safe.”
Schools currently lack resources to properly to address sexual abuse, violence, and discrimination facing K-12 students. One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old. A 2019 study found that 10% of K-12 students will be subjected to sexual abuse or misconduct by school employees, and that students who are low-income, female, and in high school are most likely to be the target of sexual misconduct by school employees.
The Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act:
- Clearly defines the role and responsibilities of a Title IX coordinator in a K-12 school;
- Sets guidelines on how many full-time educators serving as Title IX coordinators a school district needs, given the size of their student body;
- Prevents people with conflicts of interest (e.g.: the principal) from serving as Title IX coordinators;
- Encourages confidential reporting of sexual assault and sex-based discrimination, so students are not deterred from seeking help;
- Provides training to students and teachers about what to do if they see or experience Title IX violations;
- Creates a national climate survey so we can get better data about where and how often harassment and assault are occurring;
- Provides funding to schools to help them implement these provisions
The bill has been endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association.
Text of the bill can be found here.
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