HARRISBURG – Young victims of sexual assault would be protected against the possibility of having to attend school with their attackers under a bill approved by the Senate today, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Scott Martin (R-13).
Senate Bill 530 would require schools to remove any student convicted or adjudicated delinquent of sexual assault against another student enrolled at the same school. The school district would be required to expel, transfer or reassign the offender to another school or educational program.
The bill mandates that school districts must ensure the offender is not educated in the same school building, transported on the same school vehicle or allowed to participate in the same school-sponsored activities as the victim.
The legislation was created in response to a situation in one of the school districts Martin represents, in which a young woman was raped by her classmate.
“No victim should have to go to school every day with the looming possibility of being forced to see and interact with the person who sexually assaulted or raped them. The idea of that happening is reprehensible, and it needs to change,” Martin said. “I am extremely grateful that my colleagues are working with me to protect some of our most vulnerable young people.
The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Terry Trego (717) 787-6535