Text Size
Print
Email
National News
- Text Size
- Print
- Email
Background Check Proposal To Prevent Sex Crimes In Schools
As Indiana lawmakers consider measures to strengthen the state’s background check laws, the Indiana Department of Education is investigating 85 cases of alleged educator misconduct, according to department officials.
Of the 85 licensed educators currently under investigation approximately 40 involve at least an allegation, if not charges, of sexual or inappropriate contact with a student.
“Teachers and employees at public schools, and other schools for that matter, are having wrongful relationships with the students,” says Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn).
In response, Kruse, chair of the Indiana House Committee on Education, is recommending proposed changes to Indiana background check laws.
In proposed legislation, all employees, would be required to get background checks every five years.
“After a period of five years, things may have happened in your life,” Kruse says. “You may have made some wrong decisions and the school doesn’t know about it.”
While districts do give new employees – from teachers to cafeteria staff to school aides – background checks within three months of starting, that law took effect in 2009. So plenty of staff hired before then, never have had a background check.
Under Kruse’s proposed changes, all employees would be checked for criminal history and allegations, in- and out-of-state.
2024 The Background Investigator. All Rights Reserved.